Michael Gialanzè’s sudden death, while on holiday last week, was hard to take for his family and his wide circle of friends of which I was lucky to form part.
My acquaintance with Michael dates back to over half a century when in 1958 I followed his participation in the European Athletics Championships in Stockholm. He was then representing Malta as a budding teenager in the 400 metres race.
Since that year this acquaintance blossomed into an increasingly strong friendship. We used to meet very often and talk sport almost endlessly.
This bond grew even closer as our interests eventually converged through our respective journalistic and administrative fields, particularly in aquatic sports.
Michael’s affection for swimming was to lead him into a levelling up of how the sport should be run in our country. During his long spell as vice-president of the Aquatic Sports Association (ASA), some years ago he was assigned duties as chairman of the swimming board.
Under his charge swimming in Malta underwent a thorough facelift. His connections with numerous top overseas swimming coaches and officials put Malta on the global map of this sport. Our swimmers’ exposure in overseas meets became frequent.
His brainchild was the Easter International Age-Group Swim Meet which the new national pool at Tal-Qroqq started hosting in 1994. This annual event, which is still being held, gained in prestige especially with the participation of some swimmers who eventually won medals at the highest international levels.
Michael’s professional commitments as a medical doctor abroad and in Malta did not prevent him from strengthening his links with swimming and eventually waterpolo.
Furthermore, this active contribution to sport reached milestones when he was awarded honours in national contests.
Michael’s connections also took him briefly to Valletta FC in his younger footballing days and later on to Neptunes WPSC, which included a stint as its vice-president.
Other ties on the sporting as well as on the social plane earned this true gentleman and sports lover several accolades.
The ever-present smile on his face radiated a youthful exuberance.
He was exemplary as a family man, showing great affection for his wife Gillian, his children, Christian and Nicola and his extended family.
Indeed, we are the poorer since Michael left this earthly abode.