#23: ITL Athletes Strike Gold In Albanian E1
Two talented ITL athletes returned from Albania with two gold medals wrapped around their necks. A well-earned memento of success in the 10th Tirana Open (6th May, 2023).
Together with national coach Ditmir Vodinaj, Alycia Cassar and Michela Scerri hit the tournament. One that welcomed several athletes, predominantly from Eastern Europe.
Having started in a bi-round, Michela Scerri moved directly into the final of her respective set, where she faced Greek athlete Sofia Protonotariou (fight 114). Protonotariou previously won 2:0 against a Montenegrin adversary.
Michela registered a 2:1 win over her opponent after a sublime headshot in the dying moments of the final round. A gold medal for Malta and the ITL athlete.
Next on the stage was Alycia Cassar. Alycia was uncontested in her respective set (-55kg). This meant a first-place finish.
Because of this shortcoming, Alycia fought up a class: the Tirana Open -59kg category. In the semi-final (fight 408), Alycia faced Albanian national E. Hasa and left the mat with a 2:0 win. She then moved to the final, fighting A. Mihailovic in match 218.2.
A tense exchange had Alycia win the first round and Mihailovic the second. It was all to play for in the final round. Yet, the Maltese athlete got the better of her opponent with a 4-3 score that ended the match at 2:1.
Aly’s second Gold medal brought with it an iconic (and very apt) celebration - a lap of honour with the Maltese flag held aloft.
Competition aside, the experience in Albania bore more than just good results. The venue location created the perfect opportunity for both athletes to train with Vllaznia Taekwondo, Ditmir’s former club. The very same one that led him to several national championships in the -74kg category.
Under the watchful eye of the experienced Elion Puka, the Maltese athletes held a memorable session with some new friends and ITL ambassadors Ditmir and Ela Trushi.
From left to right: Ditmir Vodinaj, Alycia Cassar, Ela Trushi, Michela Scerri, Elion Puka
The team returned to Malta on Sunday 7th May, and are now gearing up for another major event which is to be announced shortly.
On behalf of the team, we congratulate our athletes, coaches and all members who make every training session a unique experience. As brothers and sisters striving for the same goal, we now look to the next challenge.
An honorable mention also goes out to Dragon Club athletes Nathan Degiorgio and Luke Chircop, who managed to walk away with silver medals in the same competition. Find out more about the experience by clicking here.
