Athletics: Young athletes deliver strong performances despite windy conditions at Winter Championships

Athletics Malta hosted the the Junior Winter Championships with over 140 young athletes from more than a dozen local clubs and schools taking part in various discliplines on track and field. With several youngsters standing out with impressive performances despite the windy conditions, Asia Psaila of Rush AC and Jamie Borg of St Michael Foundation stood out as the stars of the day, both claiming four gold medals in their respective categories.

Psaila, competing in the Under 12 category, impressed the crowd with a stunning 4.41m leap in the long jump, a significant feat at her age. She also triumphed in the 60m sprint with a time of 9.49s and the 300m in 49.59s, displaying her versatility and raw talent. Additionally, she completed her golden collection forming part of the Rush AC mixed relay team that won gold in the 4x200m.

In the Under 14 category, St Michael Foundation’s Jamie Borg matched Psaila’s achievements by winning gold in the same events, registering victories with a 4.84m long jump, a 60m sprint in 8.21s, and 300m run in 43.39s. The youngster also struck gold in the 4x200m mixed relay, while running with Pembroke Athleta.

The Under 12 boys’ category saw Kaine Micallef of Pembroke AC steal the spotlight, claiming gold in the 60m with a time of 8.93s, the 600m with 1:59.65, and the long jump with a leap of 4.28m. He also helped his team secure silver in the mixed relay.

Rush AC’s Jake Caruana also took home four medals in this category, three of them gold, winning the 50m hurdles (8.99s) and the ball throw with an impressive 47.73m. Caruana also contributed to the success of his team in the mixed relay, while securing second place in the 60m (9.33s).

Leah Frendo, another standout from Rush AC, continued her remarkable form with three victories in the Under 14 category, notably the 60m (8.40s) and 300m (44.34s), as well as the long jump (5.08m). Though her long jump was wind-assisted, Frendo’s consistent performances were a testament to her remarkable improvement. Her teammate Amy Barberi, also shone in the long jump, taking second place with a legal 4.98m jump. Both athletes were also part of the Rush AC mixed relay team, which secured silver behind Pembroke.

Pembroke’s Karina Mia Peresso had a strong showing, winning the 1000m in 3:18.39 and adding silver medals in both the discus (18.10m) and the 300m (47.84s). She also helped her relay team secure gold, as she joined the limited group of athletes going back home with four medals around their neck.