Sana Grillo: A Comprehensive Biography of Malta’s Pole Vault Star and Advocate
Early Life and Athletic Beginnings
Sana Grillo, born on November 16, 2000, in Malta, began her athletic journey in gymnastics, where she showcased early promise by winning a silver medal at the 2015 Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE). However, her passion for track and field soon took precedence. Transitioning to athletics in her teens, Grillo quickly excelled in pole vault and sprints, debuting competitively in 2021 at the Marsa Winter Championships.
Rise to National Prominence
Grillo’s ascent in Maltese athletics was rapid:
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2021: Secured pole vault silver (3.05m) at the Marsa Malta Championships.
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2022: Claimed her first national title in pole vault (3.30m) and represented Malta internationally, including a 5th-place finish at the Marsa Championships of the Small States of Europe.
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2023: Broke the Maltese national record with a leap of 3.70m at the Marsa Malta Championships, earning her second national gold. She also won bronze at the Marsa XIX Games of the Small States of Europe (3.60m) and competed in prestigious events like the European Athletics Team Championships Third Division in Chorzow.
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2024: Equaled her national record (3.70m) and solidified her dominance with a third consecutive national title.
Technical Profile and Training
Grillo’s success stems from her explosive power and technical precision:
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Pole Vault PB: 3.70m (2023/2024), ranking her **#579 globallyWorld Athletics).
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Sprint PBs: 60m (8.33s, 2021) and 100m hurdles (13.73s, non-legal wind).
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Training Philosophy: Combines rigorous plyometrics, sprint drills, and video analysis. She emphasizes recovery techniques like cryotherapy and physiotherapy, as highlighted in her YouTube vlogs.
International Competitions
Grillo has represented Malta in numerous events:
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2023 Balkan Championships (Kraljevo): 5th place (3.40m).
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2024 European Athletics Indoor Championships Qualifiers: Competed in Apeldoorn, Netherlands.
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2025 European Indoor Championships: Aiming for higher rankings amid ongoing technical refinements.
Advocacy and Mental Health Focus
As a sports psychology practitioner, Grillo openly addresses challenges faced by athletes:
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Mental Resilience: Spearheads discussions on self-doubt, body image pressures, and menstrual health taboos. In a 2025 panel in Brussels, she criticized gendered stereotypes in sports media and advocated for holistic athlete support systems.
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Social Media Influence: With a strong Instagram (@sanagrillo) and YouTube presence, she demystifies elite training, shares recovery routines, and collaborates with brands like Eurosport.
Personal Life and Academic Pursuits
Grillo balances athletics with academic rigor, studying sports psychology to mentor future athletes. Her advocacy extends to local initiatives, including coaching youth gymnastics and promoting fitness in underserved communities.
Legacy and Future Goals
Grillo’s trajectory positions her as a trailblazer for Maltese athletics:
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Olympic Aspirations: Targeting the 2028 Los Angeles Games, with a focus on surpassing the 4.00m barrier in pole vault.
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Sports Psychology Career: Aims to establish programs addressing mental health and gender disparities in sports.
Conclusion
Sana Grillo embodies resilience, blending elite performance with advocacy for athlete well-being. From gymnast to national record-holder, her journey underscores the power of adaptability and mental fortitude. As she continues to break barriers, Grillo’s legacy extends beyond the runway, inspiring a new generation to embrace both physical and psychological excellence.
Go Sana!
