The 400m hurdles stole the show at this weekend’s Athletics Malta Challenge Meeting 3, as rising star Jordan Pace smashed the national record with a time of 54.68s, eclipsing Daniel Saliba’s 2017 mark of 55.53s. Representing Savio College and just 20 years old, Jordan has now etched his name into the Under 23 record books.

Benjamin Salnitro of La Salle, still in his first year as an Under 20 athlete, came in a close second with 55.19s, also undercutting the previous national record. Both athletes’ outstanding performances secured the Minimum Qualifying Standard (MQS) for the upcoming GSSE Games, putting them on track for potential international success.

The meet saw an impressive wave of performances from Malta’s younger athletes across the board, showing just how much Malta has grown in its track and field talent.

Mireya Bugeja of Żurrieq continued her fantastic season, dominating the 800m with a time of 2:10.46. This performance set not one, but two new national records, in both the Under 23 and Under 20 categories.

In the 1500m, Michael Debattista Segond of Pembroke delivered an impressive time of 3:57.48, earning him a new Under 20 national record and a strong second-place finish just behind Jean Paul Debono, who crossed the line first in 3:56.84.

Sprint sensation Thea Parnis Coleiro lit up the track in the 200m, clocking 24.75s to break the Under 18 national record and edge out seasoned competitor Claire Azzopardi, who finished in 25.40s.

What a weekend – keep your eyes on these names, as they definitely seem to be going places!

Congratulations to all the winners and record-breakers!