The first time I heard the Maltese national anthem being played in my honour, I stood on the highest step of the podium in Iceland in 1997 and watched the Maltese flag being raised. Few of those observing would have realised how long it had taken me to get there.

Up to that time I had been competing in one sport or another for 22 years. Yet it had taken me till 28 years of age to finally discover the sport I was born for. Even then it took another five years of running up to 100 miles per week in training to finally reach the top of the medal podium. That day in Iceland I became the first Maltese athlete to ever win a Gold medal in a track and field event in the Games of the Small States of Europe.

I live every minute of my life as an athlete; I eat only the best food, because I realise the importance of good health, and I understand that my body will convert the food into fuel for my training.

I cannot remember the last time I stayed out later than 10pm (even at the weekend), because I never forget that I have to get up the following morning at 5.30am and go out and run 10 miles. I will also run again later that day.

Every day

Every aspect of my day is planned and monitored. I keep a daily diary of foods consumed. I keep a training mileage diary. I know my resting heart rate, and check it regularly as a barometer of my health and response to training load.

I understand the healing power of sleep and make sure I get at least 10 hours sleep each day.

I undergo weekly massage and acupuncture treatment. I am careful to maintain a regular intake of food supplements and vitamins.

The Gold medal I won that day in Iceland probably cost less than Lm5 to make. I paid for it with 22 years of my life. Twenty-two years fuelled by dreams, and chock-full of hard work. The proof that I feel the medal was worth it, is that this year (eight years further on) I won two more Gold medals for my country; in Portugal and Andorra. And I still have some more dreams I want to achieve.