VALLETTA, MALTA – The XIII Mediterranean Weightlifting Cup and Malta International Open, held from October 6th to 8th, showcased the pinnacle of weightlifting talent from around the Mediterranean region. The event, hosted in the picturesque island nation of Malta, was not just a competition but a celebration of strength, determination, and sportsmanship.
Before the lifting began, the Mediterranean Weightlifting Confederation held its elections, marking a significant moment for the sport in the region. For those interested in the details of the election, you can find more information here.
The competition was inaugurated by esteemed figures from the weightlifting world, including IWF General Secretary Dr. Antonio Urso and three-time Olympic champion Pyrros Dimas, who was also recently elected as the president of the Mediterranean Weightlifting Confederation.
Throughout the event, spectators were treated to breathtaking performances from all participating teams. The atmosphere was electric, with athletes not only competing for medals but also promoting the values of fair play and friendship.
In the team rankings for the Mediterranean Cup:
- Egypt took the lead with an impressive 1904.51 points.
- Malta clinched the second spot with 1696.55 points.
- Malta also secured the third position with 1682.92 points.
The individual women’s category saw fierce competition:
- EGY HANIN Elsayed – Snatch: 87, Clean and Jerk: 113, Total: 200, Points: 264.88
- ITA TOKO KEGNE Genna Romida – Snatch: 95, Clean and Jerk: 121, Total: 216, Points: 255.31
- FRA FAUVEL Laurene – Snatch: 88, Clean and Jerk: 109, Total: 197, Points: 254.97
In the men’s individual category:
- ITA ESPOSITO Salvatore – Snatch: 146, Clean and Jerk: 180, Total: 326, Points: 410.59
- EGY HELMI Abdelbari – Snatch: 129, Clean and Jerk: 160, Total: 289, Points: 409.70
- EGY MAZEN Ahmed – Snatch: 145, Clean and Jerk: 172, Total: 317, Points: 400.17
The Malta International Open also had its share of thrilling moments. In the team rankings:
- Ireland – 1532.22 points
- Malta – 1450.88 points
- Belgium – 1294.73 points
Malta International Open – Youth
Girls:
- MLT CAMILLERI LAGANA Kim
- Snatch: 58
- Clean and Jerk: 71
- Total: 129
- Points: 214.92
- BEL GALVAO Andrada
- Snatch: 68
- Clean and Jerk: 83
- Total: 151
- Points: 198.90
- MLT GATT Aaliyah
- Snatch: 51
- Clean and Jerk: 75
- Total: 126
- Points: 182.73
Boys:
- MLT Rylee BORG
- Snatch: 111
- Clean and Jerk: 135
- Total: 246
- Points: 314.46
- FRA ROUGE Hugo
- Snatch: 90
- Clean and Jerk: 121
- Total: 211
- Points: 280.72
- SMR BOLLINI Giovanni
- Snatch: 89
- Clean and Jerk: 111
- Total: 200
- Points: 245.42
Malta International Open – Junior
Women:
- MLT THORNTON Tenishia
- Snatch: 83
- Clean and Jerk: 107
- Total: 190
- Points: 252.77
- BEL VANDENABEELE Annelien
- Snatch: 78
- Clean and Jerk: 96
- Total: 174
- Points: 247.20
- ITA CAFFO’ Rebecca
- Snatch: 77
- Clean and Jerk: 92
- Total: 169
- Points: 245.54
Men:
- FRA Romain DA SILVA
- Snatch: 120
- Clean and Jerk: 145
- Total: 265
- Points: 340.06
- MLT Rylee BORG
- Snatch: 111
- Clean and Jerk: 135
- Total: 246
- Points: 314.46
- FRA ROUGE Hugo
- Snatch: 90
- Clean and Jerk: 121
- Total: 211
- Points: 280.72
Malta International Open – Senior
Women:
- BEL STERCKX Nina
- Snatch: 98
- Clean and Jerk: 122
- Total: 220
- Points: 303.23
- MLT THORNTON Tenishia
- Snatch: 83
- Clean and Jerk: 107
- Total: 190
- Points: 252.77
- BEL VANDENABEELE Annelien
- Snatch: 78
- Clean and Jerk: 96
- Total: 174
- Points: 247.20
Men:
- IRL GILBERT
- Snatch: 122
- Clean and Jerk: 145
- Total: 267
- Points: 365.86
- IRL KEARNEY Dean
- Snatch: 115
- Clean and Jerk: 148
- Total: 263
- Points: 344.27
- IRL O HARE Daniel
- Snatch: 145
- Clean and Jerk: 180
- Total: 325
- Points: 343.37
In wrapping up, the XIII Mediterranean Weightlifting Cup and Malta International Open surpassed all expectations, standing as a testament to the dedication and prowess of the participants. A heartfelt congratulations to every athlete and coach involved. Special commendation goes to the Malta Weightlifting Association for orchestrating such an impeccable event. With such momentum, the horizon for weightlifting in the Mediterranean promises even greater achievements.