Watch: Weightlifter Tenishia Thornton strikes gold at European Union Cup

Tenishia Thornton maintained her impressive form of late after winning a second gold medal in the space of a few weeks after placing first at the European Union Cup which was held in Leon in Spain.

The young Maltese lifter has been in tremendous form in the past few weeks and last month she rewrote the history books in Maltese weightlifting when she stormed to a gold medal at the World Youth Championships that were held in Mexico.

On Saturday, Thornton bagged another prestigious success when she clinched the gold medal at the European Union Cup.

This was the first time that a Maltese weightlifter had won the gold medal in this competition.

Thornton managed a best lift of 100 kilogrammes in clean and jerk and managed 78kg in snatch for an overall total of 178kg.

When her efforts were converted to Sinclair Points, Thornton topped the overall standings with 250.17 points.

That left well over 20 points clear of second-placed Lea Marie Antonio, of France, who competed in the 64kg class and managed best lifts of 97kg (clean and jerk) and 73kg (snatch) for a total of 170kg to finish with 221.41 points.

 Theoline Pringent Malec, of France, who had managed best lifts of 88kg (clean and jerk) and 67kg (snach) settled for the bronze medal with a total of 217.95kg.

“I would like to thank my coach Jesmond Caruana for his hard work and dedication and for always being by my side in everything I do,” Thornton wrote on her social media page.

“I would also like to dedicate a big thanks to Rodmar Pulis who also continuously looks out for me and keeps me motivated. Another massive thanks goes to my family for their endless support and for always having my back and being the best support system anyone can have.”

Kim Camilleri Lagana and Rylee Borg were the other Maltese lifters in action yesterday.

Camilleri Lagana came close to a place on the podium when he placed fourth with a total tally of 206.14 points.

On the other hand, Borg placed seventh in his class with a total of 287.85.