The Malta Weightlifting Association successfully organised its annual national championships, attracting a large number of athletes who competed in a thrilling two-day event.
The competition kicked off with the youth boys’ category, where Nathan Mifsud, an National Sports School student, produced an outstanding performance. Mifsud secured victory in the U-15 49kg category, lifting an impressive 59kg in snatch and 72kg in Clean & Jerk, setting new national records in the process.
In the men’s finals, Rylee Borg emerged as the standout performer, dominating the 81kg category across the U-17, U-20, and Senior groups.
Borg’s remarkable lifts of 113kg in snatch and 145kg in Clean & Jerk resulted in a total of 258kg, securing his position at the top of the rankings and establishing new national records.
In the 81kg senior category, Ryan Degiorgio claimed second place with a total lift of 218kg. Matthew Abela and Shaun Ciantar also impressed, winning the 73kg and 89kg categories with totals of 206kg and 255kg, respectively.
The second day of competition commenced with the youth girls’ category, featuring a highly- competitive group of athletes achieving personal bests.
Kim Camilleri Lagana dominated the 49kg category across U-15, U-17, U-20, and Senior levels, lifting a total of 136kg.
Kaya Curmi Inguanez secured second place in the 49kg category with a total lift of 123kg.
Mariah Grima claimed victory in the 55kg category with 124kg, while Alliyah Gatt dominated the 59kg class across four different age groups with a total lift of 136kg while Rheanna Briffa secured second place in U20 with 123kg.
Tenishia Thornton won easily the 64kg category with 173kg while taking a short break from heavy lifting due to many events in a short period.
In the second group, Yazmin Zammit Stevens emerged as the winner in the 71kg category with a total lift of 189kg.
Mariah Bugeja secured first place in the Juniors category with 132kg.
Roberta Tabone managed excellent results in the 76kg category, lifting a total of 190kg.
Krista Bonnici impressed by winning the 81+kg category in U-15 age group with a total lift of 134kg.
