Sliema ASC victorious in 2024 National Swimming Championship

Sliema Aquatic Sports Club (ASC) emerged as the undis‐ puted champions in the recently concluded 2024 National Swim‐ ming Championships, showcas‐ ing their unparalleled talent and dedication in the pool.

The club's exceptional per‐ formance throughout the com‐ petition solidified their reputation as a powerhouse in Maltese swimming, and return‐ ing the cup from Neptunes Swimming Club who won the championship in the previous edition.

With a roster of skilled ath‐ letes and a rigorous training regimen, Sliema ASC dominated multiple events, clinching gold medals in both individual and relay races. The team managed to secure a gold medal in all re‐ lays in this year's Nationals, maintaining a walkover victory over competitors.

The team's relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering teamwork earned the admira‐ tion of spectators and competi‐ tors alike. Sliema performed remarkably with Sasha Gatt breaking two Easter Meet records (Women, 800m Freestyle: 9:00.38 and 1500m, Freestyle: 17.10.13), while Matthew Satariano broke 3 Easter Meet records: Men, 100m Freestyle: 54:14, 200m Freestyle: 2:00.19, 200m Med‐ ley: 2:16.03) followed by an Age Group D Record in 200IM with a time of 2:14.10.

Head Coach Cikka Paollela said: "We are absolutely thrilled with our team's performance at the National Swimming Champi‐ onship over the past three days. Their dedication, hard work, and determination have truly paid off, culminating in this in‐ credible victory. I couldn't be prouder of each and every one of them. This win is a testament to their talent, resilience, and teamwork. We will cherish this moment and use it as motiva‐ tion for the challenges that lie ahead. Congratulations also goes to all other clubs and coaches for consistently raising the standard of Maltese swim‐ ming.”

Associate Head Coach, Jeffrey Galea, one of the technical coaches behind Sliema ASC's success, praised the swimmers' commitment and discipline, em‐ phasizing the countless hours of training that went into their tri‐ umph. He credited this to a com‐ bination of talent, strategy, and unwavering determination. There were a total of 385 indi‐ vidual swim entries from Sliema swimmers with a remarkable 291 personal bests recorded – 75% personal best record of all races. In total Sliema swimmers obtained 36 gold, 32 silver and 28 bronze medals. A total of 96 medals earned during the Inter‐ national Easter Meet and Na‐ tional Championships.

Among the outstanding per‐ formers: Sophia Allen: 100m freestyle 1.01.64 (590 Fina points), Kelsey Borg: 200m free style: 200m free 2.13.49 (606 Fina points), Dylan Cachia and Nathan Cachia: 4:10.21 / 4:10.25 (680 Fina points), Sasha Gatt: 800m freestyle: 9:00.38 (722 Fina points), Matthew Sa‐ tariano: 100m freestyle 54.14 (648 Fina points), Sean Wareing 100m freestyle 53.91 (656 Fina points).

As National Champions Sliema ASC has once again proven their status as a force to be reckoned within Maltese swimming. With their mind set on future compe‐ titions, the club is poised to con‐ tinue their legacy of excellence and inspire the next generation of swimmers.

In the wake of their triumph, the entire Sliema ASC commu‐ nity rejoices in their victory, cel‐ ebrating the club's outstanding achievement and looks forward to even greater success in the years to come.