Malta is sending a strong artistic swimming lineup to the upcoming World Cup Stop 4 in Spain, with national team athlete Zea Montfort leading the way alongside two rising club swimmers earning major international opportunities.The competition, set to take place in Pontevedra, will see Zea accompanied by Michelle Hyubner Michelle Hyubner to compete as Malta’s sole national team representative following her standout performance at World Cup Stop 3 in China, where she set a new Maltese national record.Now returning to the international stage, Zea is expected to perform an upgraded and more technically demanding routine as she continues pushing Malta’s artistic swimming profile to new levels.But she won’t be the only Maltese swimmer making waves in Spain. Emily Ruggier and Valentina Marchi of Synchro Knights accompanied by Laura Marquez as the club coach, have also secured the chance to compete internationally after impressing throughout the season.Earlier this year, the ASA established qualification criteria for athletes aiming to participate in the World Cup stop.Both swimmers achieved the required standard for the Women’s Solo Technical event, although neither reached the qualification score for the Women’s Solo Free category.With only one available place per event, the ASA chose to reward both athletes for their dedication and progress by offering them valuable international exposure.Emily will compete in the Women’s Solo Technical event, while Valentina earned a place in the Women’s Solo Free after recording the highest score in the category among non-national team athletes.The move forms part of the ASA’s continued efforts to create more international opportunities for club athletes, helping Maltese swimmers gain elite-level experience while continuing to grow the sport locally and internationally.Good luck to all three!•