A Maltese Olympian winning the 5 km race outright. Young swimmers finishing among experienced adult competitors. Children taking their first steps into international open-water racing. And families, coaches and supporters coming together from across the world. OCEANMAN Malta 2026 was more than a competition; it was a celebration of everything that makes sport extraordinary.
On 2 and 3 October 2026, Għadira Bay in Mellieħa welcomed the first Maltese edition of OCEANMAN, part of the international open-water swimming series.
With 560 swimmers registered from 43 countries ahead of the event, the competition brought an international sporting atmosphere to Malta’s northern coastline.
For Kids In Malta®, attending from Friday through Saturday’s final events was an opportunity to experience the excitement firsthand, meet athletes and witness how sport connects different generations, nationalities and communities.
From the demanding 10 km race to the 500 m OCEANKIDS competition, the event demonstrated that swimming is a sport in which young talent, experienced competitors and families can all find their place.
Sasha Gatt Makes History on Home Waters: First Overall in the 5 km
One of the most remarkable performances of OCEANMAN Malta 2026 came from Maltese Olympian Sasha Gatt, who won the 5 km HALF OCEANMAN outright.
Completing the race in 1 hour, 8 minutes and 36 seconds, Gatt finished ahead of every competitor in the race, male and female.
Junior swimmer Kyle Mifsud followed in second place overall with a time of 1:10:43, while Germany’s Oliver Kusch secured third place in 1:11:08.
HALF OCEANMAN 5 km – Overall Podium
| Position | Athlete | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Sasha Gatt | 1:08:36 |
| 2nd | Kyle Mifsud | 1:10:43 |
| 3rd | Oliver Kusch | 1:11:08 |
Gatt’s victory was an outstanding moment for Maltese swimming and a particularly inspiring achievement for young girls who dream of competing at a high level.
Her performance was a reminder that dedication, experience and determination can break expectations.
For the young swimmers watching the competition, having a Maltese Olympian lead an international field on home waters provided a powerful example of sporting excellence.
The Next Generation Is Already Making Waves
Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of the 5 km competition was the performance of the younger athletes.
OCEANMAN Malta gave junior swimmers the opportunity to compete in the same race as experienced adult athletes, with several achieving exceptional results.
Among the top ten finishers were four swimmers competing in the Junior category:
- Kyle Mifsud – 2nd overall, 1:10:43
- Michela Camilleri – 5th overall, 1:12:52
- Sophia Allen – 7th overall, 1:13:33
- Kaitlyn Muscat – 9th overall, 1:15:46
These results demonstrate the impressive standard of young swimming talent participating in OCEANMAN Malta.
The young athletes were not simply gaining experience. They were competing at a high level alongside accomplished adult swimmers.
Special Recognition: Luca Zammit and Jake Falzon
Two other young swimmers whose achievements deserve particular recognition are Luca Zammit and Jake Falzon.
Luca Zammit completed the 5 km HALF OCEANMAN in 1:18:15, securing an impressive 10th place overall.
Jake Falzon finished in 1:23:39, placing 17th overall and second in the Junior men’s category.
For young athletes, completing a 5 km open-water race is already a demanding challenge. Achieving these results in an international field is particularly impressive.
Behind performances like these are hours of training, dedication, discipline and the support of coaches and families.
At Kids In Malta®, we believe that young sporting talent deserves recognition.
Not only when athletes win medals, but also when they demonstrate commitment, resilience and the determination to challenge themselves.
Congratulations to Luca, Jake and all the junior swimmers who represented the next generation of open-water swimming so impressively.
The 10 km OCEANMAN: A True Test of Endurance
The 10 km OCEANMAN was one of the event’s most demanding competitions.
Long-distance open-water swimming requires more than physical fitness. Athletes must manage pacing, navigation, changing sea conditions and the mental challenge of remaining focused over several hours.
The women’s competition produced impressive performances, with Elisabetta Nervi claiming first place in 2:31:00.
Karen Lubberdink followed in second place in 2:41:05, while Kata Kuczi secured third in 2:55:33.
OCEANMAN 10 km – Women’s Podium
| Position | Athlete | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Elisabetta Nervi | 2:31:00 |
| 2nd | Karen Lubberdink | 2:41:05 |
| 3rd | Kata Kuczi | 2:55:33 |
These athletes demonstrated the endurance and determination required to complete one of open-water swimming’s most challenging distances.
Every swimmer who completed the 10 km race deserves recognition for the preparation and perseverance involved.
OCEANKIDS: Small Swimmers, Big Achievements
One of the most meaningful parts of OCEANMAN Malta was the opportunity for children to take part in the international event.
The 500 m OCEANKIDS race gave young swimmers their own competitive experience, allowing them to share in the excitement of the wider OCEANMAN programme.
In the boys’ results, Daniel Genchev delivered an outstanding performance, finishing first in just 5 minutes and 40 seconds.
Yehor Kravchenko followed in second place with a time of 6:08, while Sam Smith secured third place in 6:11.
OCEANKIDS 500 m – Boys’ Podium
| Position | Athlete | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Daniel Genchev | 05:40 |
| 2nd | Yehor Kravchenko | 06:08 |
| 3rd | Sam Smith | 06:11 |
Yehor Kravchenko also participated in the 2 km SPRINT Junior 1 category, where he achieved third place among the boys.
But beyond the podium positions, OCEANKIDS represented something particularly valuable.
It allowed children to experience international sport in an environment where experienced athletes, families and supporters were all part of the same event.
For a child, completing a race can become a lasting memory.
For a parent, seeing their child challenge themselves and cross the finish line can be a moment of enormous pride.
Every young swimmer who entered the water contributed to the success of OCEANKIDS Malta 2026.
The 2 km SPRINT: Young Talent Takes Centre Stage
The 2 km SPRINT competition also provided an opportunity for junior swimmers to demonstrate their abilities.
In the Junior 1 girls’ category, Ema Camilleri claimed first place with a time of 33:33, followed by Sofia Taraniuk in 53:46 and Kira Apalkova in 58:37.
Among the Junior 1 boys, Maksym Drach secured first place in 29:52, with Jack Cachia finishing second in 34:36 and Yehor Kravchenko third in 37:40.
2 km SPRINT – Junior 1 Podiums
| Girls | Time | Boys | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Ema Camilleri | 33:33 | 1. Maksym Drach | 29:52 |
| 2. Sofia Taraniuk | 53:46 | 2. Jack Cachia | 34:36 |
| 3. Kira Apalkova | 58:37 | 3. Yehor Kravchenko | 37:40 |
These achievements show how international competitions can provide valuable opportunities for younger athletes to gain experience, develop confidence and challenge themselves.
OCEANTEAMS: Where Teamwork Becomes the Victory
While individual races celebrated personal endurance, the OCEANTEAMS 3 × 500 m relay brought teamwork into the spotlight.
The relay competition demonstrated another important side of swimming: athletes supporting one another and working towards a shared goal.
In the women’s category, Mermaiding Mums claimed victory in 18:31, followed by ODT Sport Club in 27:51.
The men’s competition saw Neptunes Trio finish first in 16:49, with Trichechi taking second place in 17:27 and Paolo Agrusti third in 17:45.
OCEANTEAMS Relay Results
| Category | Winning team | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Women’s FFF | Mermaiding Mums | 18:31 |
| Men’s MMM | Neptunes Trio | 16:49 |
The relay was a reminder that sport is not always about individual achievement.
It can also be about friendship, cooperation, encouragement and celebrating success together.
And with a name like Mermaiding Mums, the event also offered a wonderful example of how sport can connect with family life.
Families, Coaches and Supporters: The People Behind the Athletes
One of the things that made OCEANMAN Malta special was the sense of community surrounding the competition.
While swimmers were challenging themselves in the water, families and supporters gathered along the shoreline to follow the races.
Behind every young athlete is often a network of people who make their sporting journey possible.
Parents who organise transport to training sessions.
Coaches who dedicate their time to developing skills and confidence.
Family members who offer encouragement during difficult moments.
And friends who celebrate achievements, whether they result in medals or personal bests.
OCEANMAN Malta brought many of these people together in one location.
The event also offered an opportunity for children to watch experienced international athletes compete, providing inspiration for their own sporting ambitions.
For Kids In Malta®, this is one of the most valuable aspects of international sporting events.
They don’t simply showcase athletic performance. They bring communities together and demonstrate the positive influence sport can have across generations.
