Much was expected from James D'Alfonso as he set out to make his GSSE debut earlier this year.

A series of impressive results in the 400m back in Australia where he lives had been enough to see him being labelled as the next big thing for Maltese athletics and a certainty to win a medal in Cyprus.

Both of those targets were, to an extent, achieved as D'Alfonso came second in the individual race and then helped the team win a bronze medal in the relay. Even so the feeling was that, given all the hype, he could have done better and nail at least a gold medal.

The result wasn't a satisfying one for D'Alfonso either.

"I was happy with silver but I wasn't too happy with the time I ran," he admits.

"I was expecting to place either first or second so I achieved what I set out to do. However, I'm never completely satisfied with second place, I need to keep working hard and soon I will be good enough to achieve the gold for the next GSSE."

That sort of attitude will serve him well in his career as will the experience of these Games.

"The level of competition in the 400m was the level that I expected. Overall the standard was quite good," he said.

"I really enjoyed myself. It was my first chance to represent Malta and I gave it my best shot. The athletics team welcomed me and I really felt I was part of the group straight away. It was good to have all of the other sports teams around because I'm not usually exposed to them."

Best of all, however, was to put on the red Maltese vest.

"Running for Malta is one of the best things that has happened to me in my life," he said.

"To represent Malta is a dream come true, sometimes I still can't believe it. When I was young I always wondered what it would be like to compete internationally and now I'm doing it... it's awesome!"

Luckily for D'Alfonso, he won't have to wait to do so again as he's been chosen as Malta's sole representative in the European U-23 championships in Kaunas and which kick off next week.

To slightly complicate matters, D'Alfonso has been restricted in his preparations due to the lack of competitive events back home at this time of year.

"The Australian season has been over since April," he confirms.

"It's good and bad. When there is no competition it is difficult to get race fitness and the feel of the race, however I am able to train harder. Without weekly competition to worry about I can focus on training because I won't be worried about feeling fresh on competition day."