The Malta Weightlifting Association successfully hosted the Malta Open Championships at the Cottonera Sports Complex last weekend.
The event showcased a diverse range of athletes from different age groups, coming together for a thrilling display of strength and technique.
In the Cadets category, precision and technique were the key factors of success. The top honours in this category were claimed by Gabriel Frendo, who secured first place, closely followed by Matthias Mifsud.
Sheldon Briffa demonstrated his prowess and secured third spot, rounding up an impressive showing in this category.
In the Under 15 boys division, Nathan Mifsud emerged as a standout performer, claiming the first-place position with a total of 201 points.
Notably, he achieved a new national record in the 49kg category with a remarkable 52kg snatch. His prowess extended to the Clean and Jerk, where he lifted 63kg, resulting in a total of 115kg.
Luca Said and Nathan Balzan also showcased their talents, securing second and third places, respectively, with 104 and 97 points respectively.
Aaliyah Gatt dominated the Under 15 girls’ category with an impressive performance, securing top spot with 176 points. Her exceptional lifts amounted to a total of 121kg.
Kacey Incorvaja placed second on 105 points while Yazmin Camilleri completed the podium on 89 points.
Kaya Curmi Inguanez showcased her strength and technique in the girls U-17 class, clinching first place on 186 points.
With a total lift of 111kg, she left a significant impact on the competition. Aaliyah Gatt continued to impress by securing second spot, while Mikela Bugeja Gatt completed the podium with 129 points and a total lift of 118kg.
The U-17 and U-20 age groups saw a remarkable performance by Rylee Borg, who claimed victory with an impressive 290 points. Notably, Borg set new national records in the 81kg category for U17, U20, and U23, with lifts of 109kg and 110kg.
Curmi Inguanez maintained her exceptional performance by securing first place position in the U-20 category, closely followed by Aaliyah Gatt. Mariah Grima was third after a tight fight with Mariah Bugeja.
In the women’s seniors category, Yazmin Zammit Stevens took the honours when amassing 233 points with a total lift of 182kg.
Roberta Tabone closely followed on 228 points and a total lift of 184kg.
Curmi Inguanez was third, a mere fraction ahead of Monica Swayne while Luana Vella placed fifth with 181 points.
The men’s seniors category witnessed an intense battle.
Anton Micallef emerged victorious with 304 points and a total lift of 250kg.
Vlad Baldacchino took the runners-up spot on 296 points and a total lift of 266kg.
Borg managed a place on the podium when placing third on 290.08 points, narrowly ahead of Shaun Ciantar (289.69).
Ryan Degiorgio also delivered a commendable performance with 265 points.
A notable absentee from the competition was Tenisha Thornton, who is in her final stages of preparation for the World Championships, an Olympic qualification event to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
