The Malta Weightlifting Association has just organised the 2010 National Championships at the Cottonera Sports Complex.

A remarkable improvement was achieved in the women’s category, in particular, where no fewer than 12 new records were established, proving that this sport is gaining in popularity among local girls.

At just 13-years-old, Nicole Gatt set three national marks in the 48kg youths section as well as three other records in the juniors. The promising Gatt managed a total lift of 71 kgs.

Kimberley Coleiro, 16, had three new records in the 69kg+ youths and three other new marks in the 75kg+ juniors. She lifted a total of 94 kgs.

In the men’s competition, Emmanuel Camilleri was the lifter who stood out most when he won the 62kg category, bettering the result of his last competition with 21 points for a total of 177 kgs.

The 69kg category was won by Clint Grech with a total of 196 kilos. One also has to mention that Grech had two efforts to break the national record but failed in his bold attempt.

Rodmar Pulis, 16, won the 77kg title with a remarkable total of 180 kgs and Noel Coleiro dominated the 94kg event with a total of 235 kgs.

With the result achieved, Coleiro secured the overall title with a total of 274 points followed by Grech, 264, and Camilleri, 254.

The competition, part of the build-up for the European Championships in Cyprus next week, was run by Jesmond Caruana with the assistance of referees Gordon Cachia, Ramona Borg and Gayle Caruana.

Time-keeping and weight control were under the scrutiny of Madeleine Coleiro.

On December 3, a group of Maltese lifters and officials will be travelling to London to participate in an open tournament with the participation of various weightlifting clubs from the UK.

In an effort to keep promoting the sport, the association is urging those interested to avail themselves of free training sessions at the Cottonera Sports Complex.

One may obtain more details through website www.maltaweightlifting.com or by phoning 7963-2415 or 9945-4555.