Maltese sprinter Matthew Galea Soler has rewritten the national record books by setting a new benchmark in the 400m at the University Games, currently taking place in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany.

Matthew, one of seven Maltese athletes competing in track and field events at the Games, delivered an impressive performance in the men’s 400m heats. He clocked a time of 46.82 seconds, securing third place in his heat and surpassing the previous national record by just 0.01 seconds. That mark had been set by Graham Pellegrini during the 2023 Games of the Small States of Europe, held in Malta.

His new record isn’t just a senior milestone; it also stands as the fastest time ever recorded by a Maltese athlete in the U-20 and U-23 age categories.

Thanks to his strong showing, the Maltese athlete ranked tenth overall and qualified for the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, on the women’s side, Martha Spiteri competed in the 400m heats, finishing in eighth place with a time of 56.60 seconds, just half a second shy of Janet Richard’s national record.

In the 400m hurdles, Jordan Pace crossed the line in 55.43 seconds, placing seventh in his heat.

Well done to all the athletes involved!