#107: Iron Taekwondo League Athletes Shine in Riga With Five Medals In Two Competitions
Team Malta earns five medals in two international tournaments in one week
Team Malta enjoyed an unforgettable week in Riga, Latvia, competing in back-to-back international Taekwondo tournaments — the European Games of Small States and the Riga Open G1.
Under the guidance of Coach Gianluca Barbara, Malta’s athletes produced a series of outstanding performances, earning five medals across the two competitions and reaffirming the island’s growing strength in European Taekwondo.
Representing Iron Taekwondo League, athletes Alycia Cassar, Michela Scerri, and Jean Schembri showcased determination, technical quality, and the resilient mindset that the ITL has been cultivating.
For Gianluca, the results in Riga were not just about medals — they were about growth.
“Our goal isn’t simply to win, but to evolve — mentally, technically, and emotionally. Every match, win or lose, is a step forward,” he shared after the event.
Alycia Cassar – Gold and Silver
Alycia emerged as one of the standout athletes of the week.
At the European Games of Small States, she produced two clinical performances, defeating Iceland’s Oliwia Waszkiewicz in the semi-final and Andorra’s Haizea Martinez Otermin in the final to claim gold.
Just two days later, she carried her momentum into the Riga Open G1, beating Iceland by point gap and then Luxembourg’s Lisa Vorsch with a dominant 2–0 win.
In the final, she faced Germany’s Luna Fellinger in an exciting clash that featured high-level front-leg play and spinning attacks. Although she settled for silver, Alycia confirmed her place among Europe’s top emerging athletes, showing poise and consistency throughout both tournaments.
Michela Scerri – Two Silver Medals, One Statement
Michela’s performances were defined by courage and composure.
In the Small States Games, she beat Amela Nuti from Montenegro before facing Tara Sljivancanin (also from Montenegro) in the final. Despite a strong fight, she earned silver — and valuable lessons.
Two days later, she met Sljivancanin again in the Riga Open G1. This time, Michela came back sharper, more aggressive, and fearless — narrowing the margin and putting her opponent under real pressure in critical moments. She walked away with another silver medal, but her fighting attitude spoke volumes about her evolution as a competitor.
Her journey reflects what Coach Gianluca often preaches: progress over perfection, courage over comfort.
Jean Schembri – Growing in Confidence
Jean’s performances showed maturity and progress.
At the European Games of Small States, he started strong, defeating Latvia in his opening match with excellent pace and attack volume. In the final against Armenia, he narrowly lost both rounds by just a few points, earning silver after an excellent showing.
In the Riga Open G1, Jean faced a tough opponent from Denmark and was stopped in the opening round. Nevertheless, his steady improvement, energy, and growing confidence mark him as a key Iron League athlete to watch in the next phase of his development.
Luke Chircop – Representing Malta And Strive Taekwondo with Heart
Joining the Iron Taekwondo League athletes was Luke Chircop from Strive Taekwondo Club, a valued partner club within the Maltese Taekwondo community.
Luke competed bravely across both events, facing San Marino in the Small States Games and Lithuania in the Riga Open G1.
While he did not medal this time, his discipline, positive attitude, and commitment were evident throughout. His participation reflects the mutual respect and collaboration that unite Malta’s top clubs in pursuit of international excellence.
A Week of Pride and Progress
Between the four athletes, Team Malta brought home five medals — one gold and four silvers — in the space of a single week.
Coach Gianluca Barbara expressed immense pride in his team’s effort and growth:
“To compete twice in a week at this level takes not only skill, but resilience and character. I’m proud of how they carried themselves — they fought with heart, with intelligence, and with respect.”
The results in Riga stand as another milestone for Maltese Taekwondo — proof that with vision, teamwork, and perseverance, even small nations can make a big impact on the international stage.
Iron Taekwondo League – Building Champions On and Off the Mat.
