Nick Mercieca 1st Athlete To Represent Malta In Para Powerlifting

At just 18 years old, Nick Mercieca made history as the first Maltese athlete to compete internationally in Para Powerlifting. He participated in the men’s up to 59kg category at the World Para Powerlifting World Cup held in Tbilisi, Georgia, on 10 May.

Nick lifted 90kg, 95kg, and 100kg across his three attempts, earning 1st place in total lift and 2nd place for best lift in the ‘Next Generation’ category for 18–20-year-olds.

The Tbilisi World Cup marked the start of the 2025–2028 qualification cycle for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games. Over 130 athletes from 24 countries competed.

This was Malta’s debut at an international Para Powerlifting competition, where athletes with physical disabilities—including spina bifida, spinal injuries, amputations, and achondroplasia—compete in the bench press discipline across various weight classes.

Nick, born with spina bifida, is studying environmental health at MCAST. He has a decade of experience in sport, representing Malta in karate and rowing, and holds a world record in indoor rowing. He also became Malta’s first black belt in wheelchair karate.

Nick was supported by coach Matteo Aquilina and Malta Paralympic Committee’s Secretary General, Dr Julian Bajada. Nick now prepares for the Para Powerlifting Junior World Championships in Cairo this October.

#MaltaDaily