Jessica Vella has secured Malta’s first-ever gold medal in Karate at the 2025 Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE) held in Andorra.
The 19-year-old athlete made history by clinching the top spot in the Senior Kata category, marking a sensational debut for the sport at the Games.
Vella’s outstanding performance captivated spectators and brought pride to Team Malta. Competing in Group B, she dominated from the outset, earning 37.8 points to defeat Liechtenstein’s Aileen Sprenger, who scored 33.8 points.
Continuing her winning streak, Vella secured a 37.3 to 32.7 victory over Monaco’s Cecille Orrigo, advancing confidently to the semi-finals.
In the semi-final round, she narrowly edged out Andorra’s Maria Ubiergo with a score of 38.4 to 36.8, securing her place in the gold medal final.
The final saw Vella face Montenegro’s Mila Mrakovic, where she emerged victorious with an impressive 39.1 to 37 points, sealing her historic triumph.
The Maltese Olympic Committee celebrated the milestone, stating, “History made as Jessica Vella secures Malta’s first-ever Karate medal.”
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