Celebrating Maltese Athletic Achievement: Rachela Pace and Clare McNamara Shine

Maltese athletes have once again showcased their incredible talent on an international level, with Rachela Pace and Clare McNamara breaking five national records while competing in prestigious events in the United States. Their remarkable performances not only highlight their personal achievements but also bring pride to Malta and inspire future generations of athletes.

Rachela Pace: A Triple Jump Triumph

Rachela Pace, a dynamic 21-year-old athlete, made waves at the American Outdoor Championships held in Charlotte, North Carolina. Competing against some of the best in her field, she clinched the gold medal in the triple jump, achieving an impressive distance of 13.41 meters. This jump not only earned her a spot at the top of the podium but also saw her etch her name into the Maltese record books as she shattered the national record.

Pace didn’t stop there. Representing the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) shortly thereafter, she entered the long jump arena, where she excelled once more. With a remarkable leap of 6.48 meters, Rachela secured a silver medal and simultaneously broke another national record. These accomplishments have undoubtedly set the stage for her promising future.

Path to European Championships

Thanks to her outstanding performances, Rachela has qualified for the upcoming European U23 Athletics Championships in Bergen, Norway. This opportunity will provide her with the chance to compete against Europe’s finest young athletes, further sharpening her skills and gaining invaluable experience on the international stage.

In addition to her national titles, Rachela was recently honored as a 2024 NCAA All-American. This distinguished title is awarded to the top college athletes across the United States, marking her as one of the elite competitors in collegiate athletics. Her hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed, and she continues to elevate Maltese athletics with every jump.

Clare McNamara: Breaking Barriers

Meanwhile, Clare McNamara has been making headlines of her own. Competing at the Big Ten Championships in Eugene, Oregon, Clare broke an astonishing three national records. Her first record came with a powerful shot put throw of 14.67 meters, setting a new standard for Maltese athletes in this discipline.

Not satisfied with just one achievement, Clare followed that performance by astounding audiences with a javelin throw of 51.54 meters. Her prowess was further solidified as she set a new Maltese heptathlon record with a total of 4,907 points, earning her eighth place overall in the competition. Such feats underscore her remarkable versatility as an athlete and her commitment to excellence.

Upcoming Competitions and Future Aspirations

With the spotlight on her impressive performances, Clare, along with Rachela, will be competing in the National Youth Championships at Marsa athletics stadium. Their performances there could act as a springboard to represent Malta in the Small States of Europe championships in Andorra. The excitement surrounding these upcoming events adds to the growing momentum for both athletes as they continue to make their mark.

A Bright Future for Maltese Athletics

The feats accomplished by Rachela Pace and Clare McNamara serve as a testament to their hard work, dedication, and outstanding talents. Their successes not only break records but also inspire young athletes in Malta to aspire for greatness in their own sports journeys. With upcoming competitions on the horizon, the world will undoubtedly see more of these rising stars, as they continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in athletics. Well done, Rachela and Clare!