Judoka Katryna Esposito Wins First Maltese GSSE Gold Medal In Sub-48kg Category
The Maltese Olympic Committee has announced that judoka Katryna Esposito has won Malta’s first gold medal at the 19th Games of the Small States of Europe – as Esposito dominated the sub-48kg category.
Katryna is a 22-year-old judoka who has previously won bronze in the women’s 48kg category of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, earning Malta’s first and only medal at that competition.
She also earned a gold medal at the first ever European Judo Championships of Small States, hosted by Luxembourg in 2022.
Today, she’s furthered these athletic achievements with a first place victory at the GSSE – on just the second day of the competition.
Over recent years, Maltese martial artists practicing a variety of different disciplines have started to show out on the world stage – all of which carry varying levels of prestige in the striking realm of martial arts.
Maltese athletes at the GSSE have already gotten off to a solid start.
With that said, this is Malta. That fact essentially requires that our participation in anything has to be mired in controversy and accusations of corrupt dealings.
Some local athletes have been outspoken about their disappointment with the selection process for competitors meant to represent Malta.
It should clearly be stated that these allegations were not directed against Katryna, who has long represented herself and her high-level skills on behalf of Malta. Her inclusion in the games, and hard work, is clearly paying off.
Congratulations to Katryna – and best of luck to the other competitors!
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