Malta has achieved a significant milestone at the European Under-20 Weightlifting Championships in Warsaw, Poland. Kim Camilleri Lagana, competing in the 49kg weight category, has secured Malta’s first-ever medals at the European Junior Championships, setting a historic precedent.

Kim demonstrated her skill early in the Snatch event, successfully lifting 63kg and 65kg. Although she narrowly missed her third attempt at 67kg, her 65kg lift equaled that of Moldova’s competitor.

However, due to competition rules, where the lifter who completes the weight first is ranked higher, our rising star finished just outside the podium in fourth place. The Snatch event podium saw Great Britain taking silver and Greece claiming the top spot.

Her true success came in the Clean & Jerk, where Kim began with an impressive lift of 83kg, clinching the silver medal. Her confident approach allowed her to surpass experienced athletes from across Europe, marking her as a promising talent.

She ambitiously attempted an 89kg lift to contend for silver in the total rankings but narrowly missed completing it. Nonetheless, her combined scores earned her the bronze medal overall, making her the first Maltese weightlifter to medal at this level.

The championships are ongoing, with Malta’s team showing strong potential. Tenishia Thornton is set to compete on Tuesday, followed by Rylee Borg on Wednesday, as Malta aims to capitalise on Kim Camilleri Lagana’s groundbreaking performance.

This success not only highlights Malta’s emerging talent in weightlifting but also inspires a bright future for the nation’s athletes on the European stage.

Well done, Kim!