After overcoming injury and major personal setbacks, Daniel Mansueto has officially made his mark on the Streetlifting scene by winning the Ace Cup +101kg title with a remarkable combined lift total of 493.75kg.

Daniel, 27, transitioned into Streetlifting in mid-2023 after a leg injury forced him to step away from his first passion, parkour. Searching for a physically demanding but less risky sport, he found a new challenge in the world of weighted calisthenics.

Streetlifting focuses on four core movements — the weighted muscle-up, pull-up, dip, and squat — testing not only an athlete’s maximal strength but also their technical precision.

Preparing for his first major competition wasn’t easy. Daniel battled through sickness, injury, and personal struggles, relying heavily on self-discipline, the support of friends, family, and his girlfriend, and a strong mental drive inspired by classic underdog stories in anime.

His hard work paid off. At the Ace Cup, Daniel successfully completed a pull-up with 81.25kg, a dip of 135kg (wearing a tank top, as required for competition rules), and a squat of 260kg.

Although he managed a dip of 142.5kg without a shirt — technically a higher lift — it was not counted due to attire regulations.

Winning the Ace Cup title in his weight category was a dream come true, but for Daniel, the achievement goes even deeper. It was about resilience, self-belief, and proving to himself that he could channel past struggles into something powerful.

Now awaiting news about potential selection for the World Championships, Daniel is more motivated than ever.

“Competing felt surreal—like living in a dream. I tapped into something deep within me, especially during the squat. There were mistakes to learn from, but for a first competition, I’m proud. I had the best people behind me and that made all the difference,” he expressed.

“I feel stronger, more focused, and more motivated than ever. Honestly, I feel like a superhero,” Daniel said after his win.

With his first major title under his belt, Daniel has firmly placed himself among Malta’s rising strength athletes to watch.