The Malta Weightlifting Association has just organised its first competition for 2010 at the Cottonera Sports Complex. Emanuel Schembri, who is preparing to try and qualify for the Commonwealth Games, stood out from the rest of his competition when he first snatched 113kg and then 115kg. This was a new national record and enabled him to finish first overall on points. A number of personal bests were also broken. These are an increase of 9kg for a total of 135kg by Clyde Sammut, an increase of 7kg to a 140kg total by Clint Sammut. Ryan Agius increased his total by 6kg for 144kg, while the youngest athlete of the competition, Rodmar Pulis, increased his total by 5kg for a total lift of 160kg. Mark Sapiano increased his total by 5kg for a 170kg total while Christian Saliba increased his total by 2kg for 170kg. Clive Zammit clean and jerked 102kg, for a total of 195kg while Stephen Borg clean and jerked a personal best of 122kg for a total of 212kg. Clint Grech totalled 195kg while veteran lifter Noel Coleiro totalled 215kg. There were an number of new lifters – Brandon Spiteri who totalled 108kg, Cleaven Cutajar totalling 100kg and, last but not least ,Nigel McCarthy who obtained a total of 95kg. The next competition is scheduled for Sunday 7 March, where one hopes to see further national records and personal bests, together with new faces in the sport of weightlifting. Anyone who wishes to practise Olympic weightlifting - male or female – and who is older than 12 years can apply by calling the following numbers 79632415 or 99454555.