Malta Open Nationals 2026: A Spider-Man Plushie Called Ellveta, and Iconic Cruella Crocs... by Lena Zrilic (Rovers Team Captain)

The Malta Open was a week I’ll never forget. It was filled with nerves and excitement, happy tears and memorable team hugs, a little too much sun, and plenty of gelatine - all building up to three unforgettable minutes in the pool at my first international competition.

Thursday began with figures, which, honestly, I was quite nervous about! However, while standing in the queue, I began chatting with some of the Maltese girls around me. Almost instantly, my nerves settled, and I was reminded how synchro is such a special sport - it brings people together, even in the most nerve-wracking moments.

A fun boat trip with my teammates and a load of sunburn later, came Saturday - the day of the routine. We began by watching the Cruella duet which was a great way to start off the day - Mabel and Evie did such an amazing job (especially with their matching Cruella crocs - so iconic)!! Then, we watched the Rover’s duet, the creepy clowns, which was honestly incredible - they got no base marks (yay!!), but I think the star of the show was their costumes - I loved them so much! 

Soon it was time to get ready. Hair slicked back, gelatin in (an experience that is never the most pleasant but always memorable), and suddenly it hit me - I was about to swim at my first ever international competition! After our warm up, we watched the Rocket’s routines which were so deserving of all of the pom-pom waving and KASC screams (and the medals of course).

And soon enough, it was our turn. After a brief Rovers team hug and chant of ‘I’m not nervous I’m excited’ we began our walk on. The next three minutes were the most exhilarating - and slightly terrifying - of my synchro life. And just like that, it was over. Everything felt like a blur: relief, happiness, pride, and definitely some exhaustion. 

Seeing our score on the big screen was unbelievable (I still can’t really believe we got no base marks!), and I’m just so proud to have been part of such an amazing team! Of course, we couldn’t end the day without taking a group photo with our iconic team mascot: a Maltese Spider-Man plushie we named Ellveta (a combination of the names of our wonderful coaches Ellie and Iveta). 

Overall, this was an experience unlike any other. I’m so grateful to have competed in this incredible event, to have met so many new friends, and to have felt such strong KASC team spirit throughout. Thank you, Kingston - I’ll never forget it!

by Lena Zrilic

Lena with Ellveta

A note from the Club:

KASC was proud to have 18 swimmers represent the club at the Malta International Artistic Swimming Open Competition in April 2026. The Club delivered a strong and varied programme across all levels, competing with three team routines in Youth, Junior and Senior categories, alongside two solos (Junior and Senior), three duets (12 & Under ,Youth and Senior), and 10 athletes in the figures competition. Across the event, KASC achieved excellent results, bringing home two gold medals and one bronze, alongside several Base Mark–free routines — a significant achievement at international level.

For many swimmers, this competition marked an unforgettable milestone. As one Youth athlete reflected, it was “a week I’ll never forget… filled with nerves and excitement, happy tears and memorable team hugs.” The experience captured both the emotional highs of competition and the unique spirit of the sport, where “even in the most nerve-wracking moments,” friendships were formed with athletes from other nations. After days of preparation and performances, one team narrowly missed the podium in a team routine, placing fourth overall after figures despite a strong free routine and close third-place finish in the event itself.

Beyond the results, the competition was defined by team spirit, resilience and pride. From first international swims to standing on the podium, KASC swimmers supported one another throughout, creating memories that will last far beyond the pool.