The Malta Masters Swim Team delivered an outstanding performance at the 7th Cyprus International Masters Swim Meet, held at the Limassol Olympic Swimming Pool on October 19-20. With over 170 athletes from 23 countries, the event was one of the most highly attended veteran swimming competitions in recent years, featuring participants from Cyprus, Greece, Malta, and as far afield as the USA, Canada, and Belarus.
The Malta Masters brought a formidable team to the meet, with 18 swimmers representing four local clubs: Neptunes, San Giljan, Exiles, and South Waves. The team showed their strength across various events, earning an impressive total of 100 medals-29 gold, 46 silver, and 25 bronze.
A Record-Breaking Weekend
Neptunes led the charge for Malta, collecting the most medals with 12 golds, 17 silvers, and 13 bronzes. Their swimmers dominated several events, proving their reputation as a top club in the Masters scene. San Giljan was not far behind with 4 master swimmers participating, earning 9 golds, 13 silvers, and 5 bronze medals, showcasing strong performances in both individual and relay events.
Exiles, another consistent club in the Malta Masters team with 3 swimmers, secured 6 golds, 8 silvers, and 4 bronzes. Meanwhile, South Waves, though smaller in numbers, held their own with 2 golds, 8 silvers, and 3 bronze medals. This balanced contribution from all four clubs highlighted the depth of talent in the Maltese swimming community.
Highlights of the Meet
The two-day competition featured a wide range of events, from sprints to longer distance challenges. The Malta Masters competed across all age categories, which ranged from 25 to 69 years old. The program saw the Malta Masters excel in 50m, and 100m freestyle and breast as 200m and 400m mixed events, with several personal bests achieved. The highlight for many was the 4x50m freestyle relay for both mixed, male and female. Where the Maltese teams delivered high-energy performances, securing multiple podium finishes.
Growing Interest in Masters Competitions
The Cyprus meet marks another milestone for the Malta Masters, reflecting the growing interest in international competitions among Maltese swimmers. Following their success at the Dutch Masters earlier this year, the team's participation in Limassol underscores their commitment to promoting healthy living through swimming at any age.
Coach Gail Rizzo emphasised the significance of these international events for the various swim teams: "Our swimmers, from every club, are dedicated to pushing themselves, not only for personal bests but to represent Malta proudly on the global stage. The competition here in Cyprus has been a fantastic experience for all of us and look forward as the Neptunes team to continue participating."
Building a Stronger Masters Community
The success in Limassol is part of a broader mission to strengthen the Masters swimming community in Malta. By participating in international meets, together with the support of VisitMalta, the Malta Masters aim to inspire more adults to stay active and embrace the sport, regardless of age. The competition in Cyprus was a testament to this goal, with athletes from around the world, including many older competitors, delivering inspiring performances.
As the Malta Masters return home with their hard-earned medals, they do so with renewed motivation and a growing sense of pride. They continue to set a high standard for what is possible, proving that age is no barrier to competitive excellence in the pool. Keep up to date with Malta Master Swimmers on Facebook and Instagram.