Mireya Cassar’s experience at Mannheim Athletics Center

Young athlete Mireya Cassar, an Athletics National Theme athlete, shares her international experience at the Mannheim Athletics Centre (Germany)

It has always been a dream of mine as a throwing athlete, and as a proud member of the Athletics Malta National Team, to train and compete at a professional level. The opportunity to train at the Mannheim Athletics Center in Germany was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After spending two years living and training full-time at the Mannheim facilities, I am proud to share that I have now completed this remarkable journey. This experience has been incredibly valuable, not only in terms of athletics but also for my personal growth and development.

Training Experience

The time spent at the Mannheim Athletics Center has been transformative. Training alongside top-level athletes and under the guidance of internationally qualified throwing coach Mr. Khalid Alqawati has significantly advanced my skills and mindset. When I first started in 2018, I had a lot of work ahead of me. My technique required refinement, and I needed to adjust my mindset on how to approach competitions. Progress came slowly at first, but over time, with consistent effort and focus, I began to see tangible improvements in my performance.

One of the most valuable aspects of this experience was the opportunity to participate in numerous international competitions. These competitions were instrumental in pushing me to elevate my performance and grow as an athlete. They provided me with invaluable exposure to different levels of competition, allowing me to fine-tune my skills and approach to the sport.

Achievements

Throughout my training, I was fortunate enough to achieve some significant milestones. Notably, I won a bronze medal at the Games of the Small States of Europe, an achievement that stands as one of my proudest moments. Additionally, I was able to break a long-standing national record in the Hammer Throw event, marking a major personal accomplishment. These achievements would not have been possible without the training, support, and experiences I gained during my time in Mannheim.

Acknowledgments and Gratitude

None of this would have been achievable without the financial support of the Malta Sports Scholarship Scheme. This scheme has been an immense help in alleviating the costs of accommodation and other expenses during my training abroad. Thanks to this support, many Maltese athletes, like myself, are able to pursue their dreams and make significant progress in their respective sports.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Malta Sports Scholarship Scheme, as well as to SportMalta, the Maltese Olympic Committee, and Athletics Malta. Their combined support has played a pivotal role in making my dream of training and competing at a professional level possible.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my time at the Mannheim Athletics Center has been an unforgettable journey, one that has significantly shaped my development as both an athlete and an individual. The experience, the competitions, and the achievements I have gained over these two years will continue to drive my passion for the sport and inspire me in the future. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities that have been provided to me, and I look forward to continuing my athletic career with the knowledge, skills, and determination gained during this transformative experience.