European Olympic Committees’ (EOC) President Spyros Capralos had the honour of presenting Cypriot swimmer Kalia Antoniou with the first gold medal of the Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE) on 30 May.

After a spectacular opening ceremony 24 hours earlier, the first full day of action saw medals won in the pool as well as in athletics, judo and squash.

Antoniou came home first in the women’s 100m freestyle competition with her time of 54:86 seconds putting her ahead of Iceland’s Snaefridur Jorunnardottir and fellow Cypriot Anna Hadjiloizou.

That was the first competition to be completed in Malta at the 19th edition of the GSSE and President Capralos was in attendance to present the first medallist with their prizes.

More than 1000 athletes are competing in Malta between 29 May and 3 June, with 110 gold medals to be won during the week.

President Capralos said: “It was a privilege to be able to present Kalia with her gold medal, Snaefridur with her silver and Anna with her bronze following their fine swims in the women’s 100m freestyle event here in Malta. They all raced superbly and were worthy medallists. Congratulations to Kalia on her victory!

“Watching athletes achieve their lifelong dreams and win medals at our events is one of the highlights of my role at the EOC. It is a fitting reward for their dedication over many years and I know that everyone who leaves Malta with a medal will do so with huge pride.

“Good luck to all of the athletes for the remaining competitions!”

Katryna Esposito won the first gold medal for Malta in the -48kg Judo category on a day which saw the hosts top the podium nine times.