Gianluca Chetcuti, Sasha Gatt to carry Maltese flag at Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony

Shooter Gianluca Chetcuti and swimmer Sasha Gatt have been selected as Malta’s flag bearers during the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympic Gas.

The announcement was made by the Maltese Olympic Committee just 10 days before the start of Paris 2024 Games on July 26.

This historic ceremony will take place on the Seine, where boats carrying each national delegation will travel a 6-kilometer route in front of the Trocadéro, culminating in final Olympic protocol and shows.

Chetcuti, who will be making his first appearance at the Olympics, will represent Malta in the Trap competition on July 29.

He began his international career in 2014, winning a Junior bronze medal in Double Trap at the Italian Nations Cup.

Chetcuti managed to win the gold medal at the 2017 Games of the Small States of Europe and took bronze at the European Championships.

In 2019, he switched to trap and set a new Maltese record at the 2023 European Games.

On her part, Gatt, one of Malta’s youngest Olympians at the Tokyo Games in 2021, will compete in the 1,500m freestyle heats on July 30.

At thirteen, Gatt set a national short course record in the 800m freestyle in Germany. Gatt’s consistent performances earned her the highest FINA points, making her Malta’s top-ranked female swimmer.

Completing Team Malta for the Games are track and field athlete Beppe Grillo, judoka Katryna Esposito, and swimmer Kyle Micallef, who are all making their Olympic debuts.

Attending the presentation of the Maltese flag to Chetcuti and Gatt were representatives of APS Bank who supported Team Malta athletes in the preparation for these Games.

MOC president Julian Pace Bonello welcomed the athletes, expressing his heartfelt congratulations and noting their dedication, perseverance, and excellence which led them to this stage of the sporting careers.

“As you step onto the Olympic stage, remember that you are not just athletes but ambassadors of Malta. Compete with passion, integrity, and the resilience that defines our island,” Pace Bonello said.

The MOC president went on to express his gratitude towards KM Airlines, APS Bank, SportMalta, NDSF and Olympic Solidarity for their financial contributions which aided athletes in their preparations for these Games.

Team Malta’s Olympic commitments begin on July 27 with judoka Esposito in action in the -48kg event.

Swimmer Kyle Micallef will be in action in the 50m heats on August 1, while Grillo will take part in the men’s 100m Preliminary Round on August 3.