Psaila to stay until 2008

Director of Sport Pippo Psaila yesterday dismissed reports of resignation from the Maltese Olympic Committee but announced that next year he will not stand for re-election after more than 14 years 'leading the Olympic team'. He cited personal reasons for his decision.

Psaila was speaking during a press conference called by the MOC to discuss the overall performance and results of Team Malta during last week's Games of the Small States of Europe in Monaco.

The MOC contingent returned home with 30 medals, four of which were gold. There were some unexpected poor showings in Monte Carlo that reflected negatively on Psaila's medal projections which were forecast at between 35 and 36.

Some were of the opinion that the Games fell short of expectations as Team Malta finished fifth overall but Psaila held different views.

"The Games in Monaco were satisfactory," he said, "even if we did not reach my pre-set target.

"It was the highest overseas placing. I believed we could go close to Andorra (38 medals) notwithstanding the adverse programme and the fact that we did not compete in five of the sports available."

Psaila said he had given a lot of thought and that his plans were not based on 'dreams'.

"We could have won two medals in tennis and in athletics an injury foiled Carol Walsh from obtaining better results in the 5,000m and 10,000m. I was also confident of a medal in both the men's 200m and 4x400m relay.

"These were all within our ability but for some reason or another we did not win medals in these events. My projections were not dreams or wishful thinking but based on technical evaluations and considerations. Circumstances dictated otherwise."

Malta competed in one sport less than two years ago. In Monaco, the Maltese took part in eight sport, in Andorra they figured in nine.

Psaila said the level of the GSSE has improved significantly. According to him, the 2007 Games were the best from the technical aspect.

"Just looking at swimming and athletics one can note that in most events the gold medal time in Andorra would not even have been a podium place in Monaco," Psaila remarked.

Team Malta in Monaco was a very young one with the average age being under 21 years. There were 23 members in the squad under 17 years which is 40 per cent of the team.

Despite his decision to leave next year, Psaila is looking beyond 2008.

"Around 50 per cent of our medals were won by newcomers," he said.

"The Games showed that Maltese sport has a future. We have turned over a new leaf and thanks to these new athletes we have a good future ahead of us.

"There has been a process of re-generation through the long-term development programmes of the MOC and the federations.

"These Games have sown the seeds for the future and in most cases we have athletes who will give a long-time service."

After Saturday's final track and field events at the Louis II Stadium, Psaila told reporters that he was going to take a Sabbatical during which he will be pondering his future at the MOC. That would have been his second break from office after the one of 2003.

But, yesterday, he told those present he will be staying at his post until the end of his term.

"I shall remain responsible for all the technical preparation of all teams. So, all the talk of resignation is ruled out. Why should I opt to resign at such a good moment for the MOC?" he asked.

"However, after 14 years leading the Olympic team at the GSSE I shall not accept another tenure. After 204 medals won I do not wish to remain leading Team Malta for personal reasons."

At the end of his speech, he thanked those around him for helping in some way or another in achieving what to many were 'mere dreams'.