Maltese weightlifters impress at European Small Nations Championship

Maltese weightlifters produced an impressive performance at the European Small Nations Championship that was held in Dudelange, Luxembourg.

Tenishia Thornton was the stand-out performer for Malta, securing victories in both the junior and the senior categories with an impressive tally of 258 points.

Thornton executed a flawless six out of six lifts, concluding with an 86kg snatch and a 107kg Clean & Jerk.

The Maltese lifter’s total of 193kg set a new national record.

In the seniors category, Thornton finished ahead of a lifter from Luxembourg and Iceland.

Rylee Borg delivered another outstanding result, claiming the title of the best junior by lifting 113kg in the Snatch, a new national record, and closing with a 141kg Clean & Jerk, earning a total of 323 points.

Iceland secured second place ahead of Cyprus.

Kim Camilleri Lagana showcased a strong performance, securing second place in the Juniors category, lifting 56kg in the Snatch and 75kg in the Clean & Jerk.

Camilleri Lagana scored a total of 220 points. Iceland took the third position.

Rylee Borg and Kim Camilleri Lagana also dominated in the doubles category with an impressive score of 543 points, to finish ahead of Iceland and Cyprus.

Anton Micallef and Shaun Ciantar claimed third place in the doubles category.

Cyprus secured first place ahead of Iceland.

Micallef lifted 114kg Snatch and 140 Clean and Jerk, scoring 322 points while Ciantar lifted 115kg Snatch and 140 Clean and Jerk, scoring 303 points. 

Roberta Tabone faced challenges in the snatch, but she demonstrated resilience in the Clean & Jerk, to finish with a best lift of 101kg.

The Malta weightlifters were led by coaches Jesmond Caruana, Rodmar Pulis and Matthew Camilleri.