Fourteen-year-old artistic gymnast Sophie St John has been named the recipient of the Atlas Youth Athlete of the Year Award 2025, following an exceptional year marked by international success, medal winning performances, and consistent high-level competition.

Sophie earned this prestigious honour after a combined decision by a panel of three sports journalists and a public online vote conducted over recent weeks. Her outstanding technical ability, competitive maturity, and remarkable consistency throughout the season distinguished her among a strong field of youth athletes.

A major highlight of her 2025 campaign came at the Games of the Small States of Europe in Andorra, where Sophie delivered a standout performance by winning five medals, including three gold medals. Her achievements at the GSSE were instrumental in securing this year’s award and underlined her growing reputation as one of Malta’s most promising young gymnasts.

Throughout the year, Sophie competed in several elite international competitions, including the Junior World Championships, Mediterranean Championships, European Youth Olympic Festival, EYOF Preparation Event, Luxembourg Open, Tiger Cup, and the Malta National Championships.

Her strong form continued at the Games of the Small States of Europe, where she achieved an all-around total of 46.400, complementing her medal winning performances in the apparatus finals. Sophie also delivered solid results at the Tiger Cup, Luxembourg Open, and the Malta Championships, consistently posting competitive scores across vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise.

These results reflect Sophie’s rapid development, technical refinement, and competitive resilience, reinforcing her status as one of Malta’s leading youth prospects in artistic gymnastics.

Sophie St John was officially presented with the annual award and a sports apparel voucher by Atlas Insurance CEO and Managing Director Matthew von Brockdorff and Chief Commercial Officer Robert Micallef. The Malta Sports Journalists Association was represented by President Antvin Monseigneur and General Secretary Joanna Camilleri and President of the Malta Gymnastics Federation Robert Magro.

Meanwhile, Atlas Insurance has confirmed the renewal of its collaboration with the Malta Sports Journalists Association for another year in relation to the Youth Athlete Awards initiative, which aims to encourage, recognise, and promote emerging Maltese sporting talent.

These awards are a joint initiative of the Malta Sports Journalists Association and Atlas Insurance. The adjudicating panel takes into account youth athletes’ performances and achievements throughout the year, while also inviting nominations from local sports associations and federations for under twenty-one athletes who have distinguished themselves in their respective disciplines.

All monthly award winners automatically qualify for consideration for the annual honour.
Nominations for this award may be sent via email to [email protected], while the rules and regulations of the award can be viewed on www.maltasportsjournalists.com.