The Malta Weightlifting national team has wrapped up its participation in the prestigious IWF World Senior Weightlifting Championships, held in Bahrain, with outstanding performances that demonstrated their talent and determination on the global stage.
Malta’s campaign began on a strong note with Kim Camilleri Lagana competing in the 55kg category.
She completed three successful Snatch lifts at 64kg, 68kg, and 70kg, followed by efforts of 86kg and 90kg in the Clean & Jerk.
Camilleri Lagana’s impressive efforts secured an excellent fifth-place finish in the 55C group, finishing ahead of athletes from numerous nations.
As the youngest competitor in the entire competition, Camilleri Lagana’s excellent performance highlighted her strength and determination.
Next on the platform for Malta was Rylee Borg, the nation’s sole male representative in the 81kg category.
Demonstrating exceptional focus and determination, Borg achieved a perfect 6-for-6 performance. He successfully executed lifts of 114kg, 118kg, and 121kg in Snatch, and 145kg, 150kg, and 153kg in the Clean & Jerk, breaking five national records.
Borg’s total lift of 274kg earned him a commendable seventh placing in the 81C group.
As the youngest competitor in his category, Borg’s fine performance demonstrated that age is no barrier to competing at the highest level.
Closing Malta’s campaign in Bahrain was veteran lifter Tenishia Thornton, who recently claimed the European Junior title.
Competing in the 64D category while recovering from bronchitis, Thornton delivered a good performance. She opened with Snatch lifts of 78kg and 82kg on her second attempt.
In the Clean & Jerk, she successfully lifted 95kg and 100kg.
Despite not being in peak form, Thornton secured an impressive fourth place finish in her group, outperforming competitors from several nations.
As the youngest lifter in her category, she continued to demonstrate why she remains Malta’s top weightlifting talent.
In a statement, the Malta Weightlifting Federation said: “With the youngest team at the World Championships, Malta’s athletes not only brought immense pride to their nation but also set a benchmark for future generations.
“The Malta Weightlifting Association is proud of their efforts and are showing great promise for the sport’s future in Malta.”
The team’s participation in the tournament would not have been possible without the support of SportMalta and the Maltese Olympic Committee.
