If there’s anyone who deserves a massive pat on the back, it’s Team Malta, who delivered an outstanding performance in Iceland this weekend, returning home with nine medals and multiple national records from the European Small Nations Weightlifting Championships.

The competition brought together athletes from seven small European nations, but it was the Maltese squad that made a big impression on the international stage.

First up for Malta was Kim Camilleri Lagana, who competed in the 53kg category and delivered a powerful performance. She lifted a personal best total of 167kg, securing 1st place in the Junior Female category, ahead of athletes from Iceland and Cyprus.

But one of the most remarkable moments of the competition came in the Junior Men’s event, where Malta achieved a historic clean sweep – taking the entire podium!

Rylee Borg claimed 1st place with a total of 278kg (339 points), while Nathan Mifsud finished 2nd with 222kg (331 points), and Luke Stefan Micallef secured 3rd place with 213kg (310 points).

Nathan also set two new national records in the Youth 65kg category: 122kg in the Clean & Jerk and 222kg total, which now stands as the national record across all age categories up to Seniors. Even more impressive: he achieved it at just 16 years old.

Meanwhile, Luke Stefan Micallef also impressed in his tournament debut, setting a new Clean & Jerk record of 123kg in both the Junior and Senior categories while competing in the 65kg class.

Malta continued to add to its medal tally in the Junior Doubles, where Rylee Borg and Kim Camilleri Lagana secured another podium finish.

In the Senior Women’s category, Tenishia Thornton and Roberta Tabone both delivered strong performances. Thornton lifted a total of 201kg, finishing just a few kilograms behind Iceland, while Tabone recorded a 192kg total.

Together, the pair went on to win silver in the Senior Women’s Doubles, with Iceland taking gold and Cyprus finishing third.

Malta also secured silver in the Senior Men’s Doubles, with Rylee Borg and Nathan Mifsud finishing just behind Cyprus.

Despite being the youngest Maltese team ever to compete in these championships, with five of the six athletes under the age of 20, the squad still managed to hold its own in the senior categories, returning home with nine medals overall.

The team will be back in action very soon, competing on home soil at the Malta International Open Championships, taking place 28th–29th March. The event will serve as preparation for the upcoming European Championships, which also act as qualification for the Commonwealth and Mediterranean Games.

Well done and best of luck to the incredible young athletes!