Watch: Maltese Taekwando Master Wins Gold In Belgium With Some Serious Headshots
Malta’s very own Gianluca Barbara continues his winning streak with a second consecutive gold medal triumph while representing the Iron Taekwondo League internationally.
The martial arts master participated in the Open de Liege 2024 in Belgium, featuring 700 athletes, marking the start of a busy competitive season.
Fergeson Galea, Malta’s -55kg junior national champion, competed alongside coach Gianluca in the -80kg Masters Category, marking their second appearance in Belgium.
Competing in the A-class category against nine competitors from Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, Fergeson delivered a promising performance despite being eliminated in the Quarter Final by Belgian Wout de LaFonteyne of Ilyo Aarschot.
Despite missing out on a medal, Fergeson’s spirited match against Wout showcased his attacking prowess against a seasoned opponent, setting the stage for future events.
In the -80kg category, Gianluca faced Dutch Master Norman Hornberger, ultimately securing victory.
Despite a challenging first round, Gianluca rallied back, clinching the win with a commanding performance, securing his second consecutive gold medal thanks to no less than two well-placed headshots.
View this post on Instagram
Besides the win, Gianluca’s outstanding performance earned him the title of ‘Best Competitor’ in his division by the judges, a testament to his skill and determination and the first time the Maltese club was given an award aside from the medals normally given to the top three athletes of each category.
In light of the success, Iron Taekwondo League extended gratitude to the organisers of Open de Liege 2024, particularly Fabio De Simone, for their hospitality and impeccable management of the tournament.
Well done to Gianluca Barbara and the entire ITL team for their remarkable achievements, setting the stage for a promising season ahead.
Share this story to show your support for Malta’s fighters
READ NEXT: Andrew Azzopardi: 'Norman Lowell’s Bullying Tactics Won’t Work With Me'
