Athletics: Gina McNamara and Jared Micallef crowned Athletes of the Year

Athletics Malta honoured the country’s standout performers of the season during its annual End-of-Year Awards, with middle-distance stars Gina McNamara and Jared Micallef receiving the prestigious Athletes of the Year titles.

Jared Micallef enjoyed a remarkable season highlighted by his participation at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo as Malta’s sole representative. His 1:46.62 in the 800m secured qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, following his earlier national record of 1:46.08 at the Australian Championships. He also collected four silver medals at the Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE) in Andorra, across the 800m, 1,500m, men’s 4×400m relay and 4×400m mixed relay.

Gina McNamara continued to advance Maltese middle-distance running, setting a national 1500m record of 4:12.28 in Montreal. At the European Team Championships, she helped Malta to an impressive fifth-place finish thanks to victories in the 800m and 1500m and her role in a record-breaking 4×400m mixed relay. She concluded her local season with a dominant double gold at the Maltese National Championships in Marsa, including a Championship Record of 2:05.41 in the 800m.

Malta’s U18 to U23 athletes also impressed internationally. Rachela Pace reached the triple jump final at the World University Games, while Matthew Galea Soler placed fifth in the 400m final at the European U20 Championships—one of Malta’s strongest results at that level. Thea Parnis Coleiro secured sixth place in the 200m at the European Youth Olympic Festival, and both Pace and Clare McNamara qualified for finals at the US NCAA Championships.

Maltese athletes made their mark at the International School Sport Federation Games (ISF).  Hurdler Kayleigh Anne Ellul earned two bronze medals in the 100m and 300m hurdles, and the girls’ 4×100m relay team (Kristina Azzopardi, Leah Frendo, Carey Spiteri and Kayla Slack), claimed bronze.  Matteo Gauci added another bronze with a strong 800m performance.  Additional notable results were achieved at FISEC and the Brno Youth Games.

Team Malta also excelled at the GSSE with a 19-medal haul and matched its best-ever fifth-place finish at the European Team Championships, despite several absences.  Strong results were also recorded at the Balkan competitions.

Veteran athletes Antonella Chouhal and Rachid Chouhal were honoured as Masters Athletes of the Year. During the season, Antonella delivered a 42.34m hammer throw, while Rachid recorded a 6.10m long jump during an Athletics Malta Challenge meet. Both finished fourth in their respective events at the World Masters Championships. At the European Masters Championships, Lisa Bezzina secured bronze in the W45 5000m and Charlton Debono claimed silver in the M40 Half Marathon.

In his first address since taking office, Athletics Malta President Mario Bonello praised an exceptional year marked by strong senior and youth performances and the continued success of Masters athletes. He highlighted the vital contribution of families, coaches, clubs, volunteers and the Athletics Malta committee, and pledged to strengthen structures, expand opportunities and build on the sport’s growing momentum.