Malta's performance in the Mediterranean Games, held recently in Almeria, Spain, brought something of a mixed reaction from the Malta Olympic Committee (MOC).
As expected, MOC Director of Sport Pippo Psaila had words of praise for shooter William Chetcuti who again reconfirmed his status as Malta's top sportsman by winning a bronze medal in the Double Trap competition.
Golfer Andy Borg, swimmer Angela Galea, sprinter Mario Bonello and wrestler Abraham Vassallo also drew favourable comments but Psaila did not refrain from expressing his disappointment at the poor showing in judo, the 4x100 metres relay, the 100 metres and the long jump.
"Our overall performance was satisfactory but not good," Psaila told a news conference at the MOC headquarters in Tal-Qroqq yesterday. "We missed out on our target of winning two medals but we can still be reasonably satisfied as a podium finish in the Mediterranean Games is not easy to come by for a small country like Malta.
"The level of competition in Almeria was very high with several world champions from Italy, Spain and Serbia and Montenegro taking part. I think only the Olympics surpass the Mediterranean Games in terms of competition."
"Chetcuti gave another clear example of what a great athlete he is when he placed third in the Double Trap competition, "Psaila added.
"We knew he was one of our best prospects for a medal and once again he delivered another excellent showing... with a bit of luck it could have easily been silver.
"There were other positives to take from these Games. Angela Galea, despite being hampered by an eye infection in the build-up to the Med. Games, managed to better her winning time in Andorra in the 200m fly by two seconds.
"In the 200 metres, Bonello also improved on the time he set in Andorra while Carol Galea finished in a creditable 10th place in the half marathon.
"Wrestler Vassallo also provided a positive surprise. He managed to make it to the last eight and was only a whisker away from challenging for a bronze medal.
"The football team should also be commended for their efforts. They were drawn against Spain and Turkey, the eventual finalists, and, despite having several young players in their squad, played extremely well, especially against the host country.
"Golf player Borg was our other medal prospect but the pressure of the competition may have had a negative effect on his game. He still showed vast improvement from his last performance in the Tunis Games when he placed 21st from 25 participants.
"It is also worth mentioning that Borg equalled the course record established by gold medallist Ignacio Sanchez of Spain (three under par) to finish 11th from 37 players."
Turning his attention on the negative side of Malta's experience in Almeria, Psaila commented: "I was very disappointed with the results obtained in the 100 metres, the 4x100 metres, the long jump and judo. In these disciplines, our performances were not up to standard when compared to the 2005 GSSE. I find it unacceptable that athletes lose their momentum in the space of just two weeks."
Psaila's main cause for concern, though, remains the inadequate financial assistance given to our elite athletes who, he believes, have the potential of challenging for medals in prestigious events such as the Med. Games and the Olympics.
"Our experience in Almeria has made it clear that Malta can never aspire to be competitive at the highest level without serious investment in the preparation of our top athletes," Psaila said.
"Take Chetcuti as an example. He has won medals at all levels, world championship, Europeans, Commonwealth Games and Medi-terranean Games but for all his success, the authorities are still not doing enough to help him fulfil his undoubted talent.
"I've been involved in sport for the past 20 years and I think before Chetcuti, Malta never had an athlete capable of striking success in the Olympics. Unless something is done very quickly, we risk missing the boat once again and it will be a great pity because William has what it takes to win a place on the podium in the 2008 Games in Beijing."
More investment
MOC president Lino Farrugia Sacco shared Psaila's views.
"I believe our athletes should be congratulated for what they have achieved despite the meagre financial backing we get from the government," Mr Justice Farrugia Sacco said.
"The budget allocated for the preparation of our athletes is much below that of other small countries such as Cyprus and Luxembourg. I appeal to the authorities to pay more attention to the athletes' needs. With the little money received, we have already gained some excellent results. Much more can be attained if there is more investment in Malta's elite athletes."
In Almeria, Mr Justice Farrugia Sacco was elected to the Executive Committee of the Mediterranean Games. Expressing his satisfaction at his new appointment, the MOC chief pledged to make the most of his position for the benefit of Maltese sport.
"Officials at the Malta Olympic Committee are not driven by a desire for personal glory. Ours is a collective determination to improve Maltese sport," Mr Justice Farrugia Sacco said.
"My role on the Med. Games executive committee gives me the chance to increase the number of opportunities for our athletes to compete or train abroad.
"I will certainly do my best to help our athletes because I firmly believe in Malta we do have talented individuals who, with the right preparation, .can do well on the international stage."