Records broken at 2002 trials

The first major event on the Malta Amateur Weightlifting Association calendar is the now customary trials which enable lifters to amass totals necessary for selection to the small European nations tournament.

More importantly this year, establishing a required standard for the Commonwealth Games, to be held in Manchester this summer, was also high on the competitors` agenda.

Without doubt, the star performer of the 2002 trials, sponsored by Roxy Furniture, was 21-year-old Kevin Cassar, whose talent has always been evident but on previous occasions had failed to live up to his undoubted capabilities.

This season, however, he reduced a category and opted for the 77kgs Class. As things turned out, it seems that it will be better for this weightlifter to concentrate on the 77kgs Class for the time being.

He proceeded to lift 110.0kgs and then 115.0kgs in the two-hand Snatch but showed he lacks enough experience after losing all his focus to fail on 117.5kgs which he should have lifted without a hitch as his strength was more than evident to achieve this weight.

Cassar`s lifts were all new national records.

Cassar then went on to Clean and Jerk 130kgs on his first attempt only to lose concentration on two following attempts with 135kgs to miss the required standard for the Commonwealth Games by just five kilos.

Noel Coleiro, the previous owner of the records broken by Cassar, had an off-day during the trials, missing the 100.0kgs Snatch on three occasions before lifting 125kgs for a consolation prize in the Clean and Jerk.

Coleiro only needs to slightly adjust his technique to be in a better position to challenge Cassar all the way in the next competitions.

Another young lifter with a bright future is Simon Schembri, who is under the charge of national coach David Saliba. His 100kgs Clean and Jerk showed that Schembri possesses all the required talent to achieve high standards.

The trials also saw coaches Simon Brincat and Saliba lifting along with the athletes, preparing for the Masters Tournament which will be held in September.

Another pleasing aspect of the Trials was the excellent refereeing of Noel Grech and Jesmond Caruana, who are becoming very well established in their proficiency.

Likewise, officials Karmenu Briffa, Steve Vella and Mark Pirotta are all showing a very good approach to these kind of events, doing their respective duties without a hitch.