The Maltese are stereotypically known to be one of the laziest nations. We like our slow mornings, afternoons spent lunching and our evenings at home, with a glass of wine, a good movie, and the occasional take away. But, there are a few of us who hold sports in high regard and focus our energies on striving for better. Here are four young athletes who give Malta a lesson in determination.
Jordan Camilleri
Jordan Camilleri is best known as the water polo superstar who has graced Maltese waters with his strong right swing and accurate shots, giving him the opportunity to make some waves in international waters. His triumphant move to Italian team Roma - joining his high-achieving brother, Stevie Camilleri - has given him the edge he needed to kick it with the big dogs. His elite experience in the A2 Roma Nuoto top class water polo team has really given Malta something to boast about.
Yazmin Zammit Stevens
A weightlifting queen with a stellar track record and focused determination, Yazmin Zammit Stevens is all about bringing home the gold. Her first place victory in the recent Weightlifting ELEIKO Email International Tournament 2018, held in Australia, saw the young Maltese champion bag 1st place in the 69kg category. After ranking 4th in the 2017 edition, Yazmin pulled up her socks and has worked towards success with her 185kg total. She proves that Maltese can lift more than a couple of freshly baked pastizzi over their heads.
Thomas Borg
From a very young age, most Maltese people can swim with ease, hold their breath underwater and spend hours upon end in the sea. But, Thomas Borg shines a little bit brighter than the regular beach-goer. The 16-year-old swimmer is in the process of training for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and, as his intense regime, suggests, he takes it all pretty seriously. His greatest aim is to qualify for the 50 and 100 metre freestyle as well as the 100 metre backstroke. And, while he’s at it, he plans to go for the 100 metre breaststroke too. Something tells me this little fishy will give Phelps a run for his money.
Stevie Camilleri
No, it’s not a deja vous, you’ve heard this name before - a few lines up, in fact. Stevie Camilleri, Jordan’s brother is just as iconic in the local water polo scene as his younger brother Jordan. His move to Roma Nuoto helped the team climb back up the league and hit the A1 division where he was said to be the secret key to the team’s success. Stevie also heads the Malta Water Polo team and drives them towards full-blown achievement while they aim for total victory.
There you have it! So, not all Maltese consider reaching for the TV remote an Olympic sport. Among us are champions who brave the waters and fight to prove their worth in local and international competitions. These victors make us proud.