The Maltese Olympic Committee (MOC) will honour Malta’s top-performing athletes during a special awards ceremony recognising achievements registered during the 2024 and 2025 sporting seasons on December 7.
The awards acknowledge athletes who distinguished themselves in major international competitions organised under the auspices of their sport’s International Federation or another recognised and reputable International sports organisation.
National sports federations submitted their nominations, each putting forward athletes who have demonstrated excellence, commitment, and impressive representation of Malta on the international stage.
The Maltese Olympic Committee used a detailed criteria matrix to recognise athletes and teams who achieved high international rankings, podium finishes, or record-breaking performances in events sanctioned by International or European Federations, major multi-sport Games (including Olympic, Commonwealth, Mediterranean, European, World and Youth events), World Games, university and student championships, GSSE, and other recognised international competitions.
Separate thresholds were applied for individual and team sports, open and age-group categories up to Under 25.
Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Special, and Accomplishment awards are allocated based on event level, strength and size of the field, final placing, multiple-medal performances, and sustained ranking positions over time.
Charlene Attard, MOC Director of Sport, praised this year’s strong list of nominees.
“The quality of nominations continues to improve year after year,” Attard said.
“We are seeing athletes across multiple disciplines reaching new levels of performance, consistency, and professionalism. This is a clear sign of the ongoing progress of Maltese sport, and we are proud to celebrate these achievements.”
MOC president Julian Pace Bonello emphasised the importance of recognising dedication while highlighting Malta’s rising sporting profile.
“Rewarding commitment is essential, but what fills us with pride and encouragement for the future of sport are the outstanding results our athletes continue to deliver,” Pace Bonello said.
“Maltese sport is steadily improving, thanks in no small part to sustained investment from the Government, SportMalta, and the National Development and Social Fund, the International Olympic Committee, Olympic Solidarity, and the European Olympic Committees. Their support is helping our athletes reach new heights and represent our country with honour.”
The Nominees
3×3: Danika Galea, Kristy Galea, Steffi de Martino and Amber Melgoza.
Artistic Gymnastics: Philippa Busuttil, Janet Galea, Julia Galea, Lyana Curmi Inguanez and Sophie St John.
Artistic Swimming: Ana Culic, Thea Grima Buttigieg, Zea Montfort.
Athletics: Claire Azzopardi, Luke Bezzina, Isaac Bonnici, Nick Bonett, Mireya Bugeja, Alessia Cristina, Kayleigh Ann Ellul, Kristina Frendo, Leah Frendo, Matthew Galea Soler, Matteo Gauci, Beppe Grillo, Ian Paul Grech, Gina Mcnamara, Claire Mcnamara, Jared Micallef, Luke Micallef, Rachela Pace, Thea Parnis Coleiro, Janet Richard, Rebecca Sare, Kayla Slack, Carey Spiteri, Martha Spiteri and Kurt Zahra.
Badminton: Matthew Abela, Samuel Cassar.
Body Building: Liliana Albinskaya, Keith Agius, Chloe Cooper.
Bowling: Mauro Anastasi, Sue Abela, Travis Barbara, Tiziana Carannante, Tomas Caruso, Cynthia Frendo Duca, Kayden Lagana, Nicolai Mallia and Nicholas Muscat.
Cycling: Team Malta.
Football: Ħamrun Spartans Football Club.
Karate: Thyis Antonelli, Heorhii Denysov, Luke Galea, Halil Ibrahim Koska and Jessica Vella.
Lawn Bowls: Connie Rixon, Rebeca Rixon.
Pool: Matthias Debono, Men’s Team, Men’s Under 18 team, Steve Muscat.
Rugby 7s: Team Malta.
Sailing: Anna Basalkina, Mattea Ciantar, Emily Gregory, Katrina Micallef, Gabriella Mifsud, Victoria Schultheis.
Shooting: Gianluca Chetcuti.
Snooker: Aaron Busuttil, Brian Cini, Chris Peplow.
Squash: Jocelynn Lydall, Mattea Saliba, Julian Scerri and Colette Sultana.
Swimming: Victoria Balderacchi, Zoe Cawsey, Sasha Gatt, Nirvana Micallef, Michela Portelli.
Table Football: Samuel Bartolo, Jason Pisani, Valletta Subbuteo Club Team, Bormla Subbuteo Club.
Table Tennis: Daniel Bajada, Maria-Carmelia Iacob, Viktoria Lucenkova, Dmitrij Prokopcov, Renata Strbikova and Felix Wetzel.
Tennis: Matthew Asciak, Francesca Curmi, Alex Degabriele, Elaine Genovese,
Triathlon: Kai Azzopardi, Ryan Muscat
Weightlifting: Rylee Borg, Kim Camilleri Lagana, Nathan Mifsud, Tenishia Thornton and the Weightlifting Team.
