Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1207647
20 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 5 FEBRUARY 2020 WEIGHTLIFTING SPORTS THE Malta Weightlifting Asso- ciation is in the final stages of preparation for hosting the Mal- ta Weightlifting International Open at the end of this month. This competition like is noth- ing previously organsised by the MWA as for the first time, Malta will be hosting a Silver Olympic Qualification event as part of the qualification system needed by Olympic hopefuls for the upcoming games in To- kyo. This Olympic qualification will feture the participation of 135 top athletes from 33 differ- ent countries. These include three-time Olympic medallist Lydia Valentin from Spain, and cur- rent European champion and World Championships medal- list Loredana Toma from Ro- mania. For many athletes, this Olym- pic Qualification in Malta will be one of their chances to post an impressive total and secure a place at the Olympics. The Maltese national team selected to participate in this highly anticipated event is made up of three women. Yasmin Zammit Stevens, who is currently the only athlete ac- tively doing the qualifications event for the Games, is ready to put on a show for her Maltese followers after a difficult start to the year due to being sick in her first meet in Rome. 14-year-old Tenishia Thorn- ton also made the qualification and will be competing in the 45kg category. Finally, Roberta Tabone will complete the team and com- pete in the 71kg category. Jesmond Caruana, president of the MWA, has been work- ing tirelessly preapring for this event for several months. The competition will be held at the Paradise Bay Hotel resort and Spa in Cirkewwa on Satur- day 29 February and Sunday 1 March. Final preparations underway for Malta to host Olympic Silver qualification event Lidia Valentin Loredana Toma