Maltese ultra-athletes Fabio Spiteri and Michelle Mifsud have done the nation proud, both clinching podium finishes in two of the world’s most gruelling endurance events.

In what he described as a ‘dream come true’, Fabio Spiteri finished second in the DECA section of the Bretzel Ultra Triathlon, a brutal challenge requiring athletes to complete 10 consecutive Ironman triathlons – that’s 38km of swimming, 1,800km of cycling, and 422km of running.

The final leaderboard put him between Goulwenn Tristant, who placed first with a time of 222h 24m 44s and Côme Warote, who came in third with a time of 244h 12m 16s. Fabio’s own time was an impressive 233h 39m 29s, that got him the silver trophy.

Fabio dedicated this achievement to the memory of Jake Vella, the Maltese teen he formed a heartfelt bond with before Jake’s passing due to a rare illness, ROHHAD syndrome. Fabio previously honoured Jake in last year’s DECA, and continues to carry his spirit through every race.

‘Now I believe I can WIN this race in the coming future,’ Fabio wrote in his celebratory post.

Meanwhile, Maltese athlete Michelle Mifsud made waves in France, proudly lifting her first IUTA trophy after placing second in the female category at the Double Continuous by Bretzel Ultra Triathlon.

Michelle raced non-stop for 28 hours and 36 minutes, covering a staggering 452km of swimming, cycling, and running without pause. She shared a social media post that read: ‘Not something I get to do often, to lift an IUTA trophy. 2nd Female in the Double Continuous by Bretzel Ultra Triathlon. 28 Hours 36 minutes of nonstop racing. 452Kms.’

From sheer mental fortitude to peak physical preparation, Fabio and Michelle are flying Malta’s flag high, proving that this small island produces some extraordinary strength.

Massive congratulations to both!