The 400 metres hurdles race took the highlight of the day at the Athletics Malta Challenge Meeting 3 with an impressive new national record by Savio’s Jordan Pace, who clocked a time of 54.68s, surpassing Daniel Saliba’s time of 55.53 registered back in 2017. For Pace, 20 years of age this year, it also means inking this record in the Under 23 list.
Such was the pace of this race, that the second placed athlete, Benjamin Salintro (La Salle), who is still in his first year as an Under 20 athlete, also broke the old national record mark with 55.19s seconds. With these strong timings, both athletes have achieved the qualifying standards (MQS) required for the upcoming GSSE games.
In a busy afternoon at the Marsa track, there were several strong performances, particularly by the younger athletes.
Zurrieq’s Mireya Bugeja continued building on an impressive season so far winning the 800m in 2:10.46, establishing a new national record in the Under 23 and Under 20 categories.
Pembroke’s Michael Debattista Segond set a new Under 20 record in the 1500m in 3:57.48, finishing the race in second place, behind Jean Paul Debono who took top spot in 3:56.84.
Finally, Thea Parnis Coleiro has lowered the Under 18 category record, winning the 200m race in 24.75s, ahead of experienced sprinter Claire Azzopardi (25.40s).