Mark Zammit – Triathlon Champion Small States of Europe

After finishing runner-up no less than 3 times in the past editions of these Championships, Zammit has at last fulfilled a 5-year dream and gained the first ever top podium finish in the Men’s category when he romped home first in the Triathlon Championship of the Small States of Europe which was held this morning in Cyprus.

Thirty-five athletes from Cyprus, Monaco, Liechtenstein and Malta took part in the 12^th edition of this Championship, held on a warm and windless day. From the Start List, it was evident that the Maltese athletes would have to contend against tough competition offered by the likes of Nicolas Collet from Monaco and Nicole Klinger from Liechtenstein, the winner of last year’s race in the Women’s category.  

In the Men’s category, however, it was clear that Mark Zammit was looking for a top podium finish as he led from Start to Finish, leaving little to chance and crossing the line in 2hrs:06m:02s. In 2^nd place finished the Monegasque athlete, Nicolas Collet and in 3^rd place Keith Galea in 2hrs:08m:59s.

In the Women’s category, Danica Bonello Spiteri, 2010 Sportswoman of the Year and twice winner of these Championships in 2006 and 2009, faced stiff competition not just from the Liechtenstein girl but also from an up and coming Cypriot athlete. In the end, she could only manage a 3^rd place in a time of 2hrs:37m:27s, behind Nicole Klinger (Liechtenstein) who won in 2hrs:22m:12s and Emese Meszaros (Cyprus) in 2hrs:31m:18s.

The TCSSE, organized by the Cypriot Triathlon Federation, was part of an Open Triathlon Race which included some of Russia’s best athletes. The Overall winners of the Open Race were Valentin Meshcheryakov (1hr:54m:01s) and Irina Abysova (2hrs:10m:16s). It is pertinent to point out that in all there were 130 athletes taking part and that Mark Zammit finished 5^th position in the Overall Standings, while Danica Bonello Spiteri was 5^th Overall.

The Maltese contingent, which was led by Mr. Oswald Spiteri, Treasurer of the MTA, also included the following athletes: Fabio Spiteri who finished 10^th in 2hrs:15m:44s, George Vella in 12^th place in 2hrs:21m:11s and Marica Micallef who finished 4^th in 2hrs:50m:41s.

Participation in this Triathlon Championship of the Small States of Europe was made possible thanks to the Maltese Olympic Committee and EMIRATES Airline.