Swimmers Sasha Gatt, Kyle Micallef named in Team Malta for Paris Olympics

The Maltese Olympic Committee has announced the selection of two more athletes who will join the Maltese contingent for the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad in Paris, scheduled from July 26 to August 11.

Swimmer Sasha Gatt, will be competing in her second successive Games, having competed in Tokyo in 2021 where she was one of the youngest athletes to join the Maltese contingent. 

In the past months, Gatt managed to put in a consistent showing in the 1500m, 400m and 800m freestyle events.

Recently she achieved two season bests in the 400m freestyle event at the French Elite Championships and also placed first with a seasonal best in the 800m freestyle event during the Mare Nostrum Swim Tour 2024 in Barcelona.

Joining Gatt at the Paris La Défense Arena will be Kyle Micallef, making his Olympic Games debut.

Currently studying in the United States, Micallef set a national record in the 50m freestyle with a time of 22.80 at the European Aquatics Championships in Belgrade earlier this week.

The two athletes will be joined by shooter Gianluca Chetcuti whose selection was announced earlier this month. 

Maltese Olympic Committee Director of Sport Charlene Attard highlighted that these athletes have shown consistent performances in their preparation for potential selection for the Paris Games and thus contributed towards their selection through the Universality Places programme, which is assigned by the Olympic Games Tripartite Commission.

Selection criteria included the athletes’ international competitive experience, technical level, and commitment to qualifying for the Olympic Games by participating in the relevant qualifying events.

Gatt and Micallef will join three other Maltese athletes at the Games, namely judoka Katryna Esposito, shooter Gianluca Chetcuti and sprinter Beppe Grillo.

The Maltese Olympic Committee contingent in Paris is supported by Olympic Solidarity and APS Bank.