Malta weightlifters shine at European Small Nations Championships in Monaco

The Malta Weightlifting Association put on a strong showing at the European Small Nations Championships that were held in Monaco last weekend.

The national team returned home with a spate of medals with top lifter Tenishia Thornton standing out with a dominant display.

Thornton’s supremacy was evident as she clinched the title of best female lifter in both the junior and senior categories, smashing four national records in the 64kg category.

Thornton had a formidable performance, lifting all her six lifts – 85kg, 87kg and 89kg in Snatch and 104kg, 107kg, 110kg in the Clean & Jerk for a total of 199kg.

The Maltese lifter also won the female doubles along with her team-mate Roberta Tabone, who was also crucial to Malta’s success.

Tabone produced a solid display with 87kg in the Snatch and 104kg in the Clean & Jerk for a total of 191kg.

This performance was a testament to the diligent preparation that both athletes are doing for the upcoming IWF World Cup that will be held in Thailand.

Another creditable result came from 17 year old Rylee Borg, who won the best Junior Male athlete with 110kg in the Snatch and 143kg in the Clean & Jerk, totalling 253kg.

Maltese youngster Nathan Mifsud also finished on the Junior U-20 podium after winning the bronze medal at the age of 14.

Mifsud showcased his excellent execution across all six lifts hitting 64kg, 67kg and 69kg in the Snatch and 78kg, 81kg and 83kg in the Clean & Jerk, totalling 152kg. He achieved these results with a body weight of only 51kg, breaking a series of national records in the U-15 category.

Mifsud also finished in first place with his team-mate Kim Camilleri Lagana in the Junior U20 category.

Camilleri Lagana produced another solid display, claiming the silver medal in the Junior U-20 category, lifting 59kg in the Snatch and 79kg in Clean & Jerk for a total of 138kg.

The men’s doubles team, formed by Rylee Borg and Anton Micallef, claimed the bronze medal.

Borg and Micallef finished the competition with 117kg in the Snatch and 138kg in the Clean & Jerk, totalling 255kg.

In the senior mixed team category, the Maltese team composed of Thornton, Tabone, Borg and Micallef won the silver medal from eight countries, including Cyprus, Gibraltar, Iceland, Monaco, Luxembourg, Faroe Islands and San Marino. Iceland won this category.

In a statement, the Malta Weightlifting Association said: “The Maltese lifters’ stellar performance not only brought home medals but also highlighted their dedication and skill on the international stage, solidifying Malta’s presence in the weightlifting community.”

The Malta Weightlifting Association’s participation in this competition was possible with the help of the Maltese Olympic Committee and SportMalta.