Former long distance champion DeGaetano dies

Former Malta long-distance champion Gerald DeGaetano passed away yesterday, aged 53. DeGaetano, who enjoyed a successful career in the Armed Forces of Malta, will be fondly remembered for his exploits in the track and field events, both locally and on the international scene. DeGaetano established himself as one of Malta’s top long-distance runners. In fact he was the first Maltese runner to win a medal at the Games of the Small States of Europe when placing third in the 10,000 metres race in Cyprus in 1989. Two years later, he went one better when he took the silver medal in the 10km race at the 1991 Games held in La Vella, Andorra. Apart from his achievements on the track, DeGaetano went on to create a name for himself in road running. In fact he won the Mdina 2 Spinola race in a record time of 54 minutes and 33 seconds in 1987 and again finished on top in 1990. DeGaetano also shone in the Malta Half Marathon. He is the current record holder   in the men’s category when he completed the distance in one hour seven minutes and 19 seconds on his way to victory in 1990. After retiring from athletics, DeGaetano switched to canoeing and went on to win several national titles.