The Malta School Sport Federation (MSSF) took part in the 2025 International School Sport Federation (ISF) Under 15 Gymnasiade in Zlatibor, Serbia.
The School Sports Games, as they are commonly referred to, are held every two years under the supervision of the ISF and have been recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since 1995. This year’s edition saw approximately 5000 student athletes from 55 countries aged 12 to 15, compete in 25 different sporting disciplines. Malta competed in Athletics and Badminton and was represented as follows: –
Athletics: Elya Azzopardi, Kristina Azzopardi, Kayleigh Anne Ellul, Leah Frendo, , Sara Giordano Imbroll, Matteo Gauci, Kayla Slack, Carey Spiteri,
Badminton: Jodie Gafa Craus, Suzie Gafa Craus, Monique Vella
Undoubtedly, the standout performance came from hurdler Kayleigh Anne Ellul, who claimed third place in the 100m hurdles with a remarkable time of 15.20 seconds — setting a new national record in both the Under 16 and Under 18 categories. Facing fierce competition from Yang of China, Ellul remained composed and fought strongly through to the final hurdle.
Ellul went on to secure another bronze in the 300m hurdles with a solid time of 48.31. Impressively, she had already broken the Under 16 national record during the heats with a time of 47.96 seconds.
Another standout result came from the 4x100m relay team, composed of Kristina Azzopardi, Leah Frendo, Carey Spiteri, and Kayla Slack, who delivered a strong performance to secure third place with a time of 50.55 seconds, finishing just behind Slovakia and Thailand.
Matteo Gauci demonstrated his potential in the 800m, securing a well-earned third place in a highly competitive race with a time of 2:03.34. He also competed in a tactical 1500m, where he finished in 5th place.
Leah Frendo and Elya Azzopardi represented Malta in the 100m and Long Jump events. Despite not advancing to the finals, both athletes gained valuable international experience.
Middle-distance runner Sarah Giordano Imbroll also took part in the competition, participating in both the 800m and 1500m events.
Malta also took part in the Badminton events, where the competition proved to be particularly challenging. Twins Suzie and Jodie Gafa Craus faced a tough draw in the Round of 64 and were unable to progress to the next stage. Monique Vella advanced to the Round of 32 but was defeated by Iran’s Mobina Salar Kor. Later, Suzie Gafa Craus teamed up with Monique Vella for the doubles event, where they faced a strong Romanian pair who secured the win. While results were not in Malta’s favour, the players gained valuable experience competing at this high level.
The ISF U15 Gymnasiade not only provide a strong competitive environment but also offer a valuable educational experience. Team Malta participated in Nation’s Night where focus centered on building friendships and exchanging gifts with other nations. They also attended an Anti-Doping, Safeguarding and Recovery Educational Workshop.
Ms Charlene Attard, Head of Delegation and General Secretary of the MSSF attended the General Assembly which also saw the appointment of Mr Zeljko Tanaskovic as the new President of the International School Sport Federation (ISF).
Upon their return to Malta, the Malta Schools Sports Federation (MSSF) expressed its gratitude to the administrators and coaches whose dedication and guidance were instrumental to the team’s success. The Federation also reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting and creating opportunities for student-athletes across competitions under its remit.
Malta’s participation in the 2025 ISF Under15 Gymnasiade was made possible thanks to the support from SportMalta International Participation Scheme and the Maltese Olympic Committee.
Team Malta was accompanied by Chef de Mission Charlene Attard, physiotherapist, Milos Stanisavljevic and coaches Patrick Cassar (Badminton) and Rachid Chouhal and Jeremy Spiteri (Athletics).
