Malta’s artistic gymnastic national team completed a fairytale participation at the 2025 Games of the Small States of Europe after managing to win two gold medals, a silver, and a bronze on the final day of competition.
This success came just one day after the Maltese selection won gold in the team event, while Sophie St John and Philippa Busuttil added a silver and bronze medal in the all-around event.
Thus, the Maltese gymnastics expedition returns home with a record tally of seven medals – three gold, two silver, and two bronze medals.
More importantly, this result has given a major lift for Team Malta, who ended the day with eight gold, 11 silver and nine bronze and are well on course to set a new record in a foreign GSSE as they need one more gold medal in the next three days to eclipse the 2011 Liechtenstein result.
Sophie St John was the star performer of the Maltese gymnastics team yesterday when she managed to win a gold medal in beam and vault while also adding a bronze medal in the floor exercise.
St John, thus, finished the games with five medals around her neck and, more importantly, the 14-year-old can reach higher objectives in her career with her undoubted talent.
“I am so proud of myself,” St John told the Times of Malta.
“I worked so hard for these Games and I am so happy to have performed so well and winning so many medals.
“It has been amazing GSSE for artistic gymnastics, and I am so proud to be part of it.”
Julian Galea, aged 13, also caught the limelight with a brisk performance on the floor that saw her secure a silver medal.
“I am very happy with my performance, and I was really happy and proud to be the youngest medal winner in the contingent.
“I have worked really hard for this and I want to thank my coaches and my family for all the support they have given me.”
On her part, coach Natalia Berehova could not hide her pride in seeing her gymnasts perform so well and has no doubt they have a bright future in front of them.
“I am so proud with the performance of our gymnasts,” Berehova said.
“They have worked so hard to arrive in these Games well prepared and they certainly delivered.
“This has been Malta’s best-ever performance in such Games and it clearly shows that there is a bright future for our sport. These athletes have proved that they have the talent to reach higher objectives and win medals in bigger competitions.
“The key is to remain disciplined, work hard, and continue to believe in themselves.”
Author
