Zaida Pace: Malta’s Rising Multi-Event Star

Zaida Pace is a versatile track and field athlete who represents Malta in international competition. Born on June 22, 2004, she is currently 21 years old and has established herself as one of Malta’s most promising multi-event athletes.

Athletic Specializations and Versatility

Pace demonstrates remarkable versatility across multiple track and field disciplines. Her event repertoire includes high jump, 100 metres hurdles, 400 metres, 400 metres hurdles, 300 metres, 60 metres, 400 metres short track, 200 metres, and long jump. This wide range of events showcases her exceptional athletic ability and adaptability across different skill sets – from sprinting and hurdling to jumping events.

Personal Bests and Current Performance Level

Pace has achieved notable personal bests across her various events:

• 400 metres: 58.54 seconds, achieved on April 12, 2025, at Marsa Athletics Track in Malta
• 200 metres: 25.70 seconds, set on June 30, 2024
• 100 metres: 12.70 seconds, achieved on April 13, 2024
• 400 metres hurdles: 1:06.32, set on March 15, 2025, at Marsa Athletics Track
• 4×400 metres relay: 3:50.66, achieved on May 31, 2025, at Estadi Comunal, Andorra La Vella

National Recognition and Championships

Pace is a three-time national champion, demonstrating her dominance in Maltese athletics. Her consistent performances have made her a cornerstone of Malta’s national athletics program and a key representative for the country in international competitions.

International Competition and Recent Achievements

2025 Games of the Small States of Europe

Pace was selected as part of Malta’s athletics team for the prestigious 2025 Games of the Small States of Europe held in Andorra. She was among the athletes named to represent Malta in athletics, alongside other notable competitors including Claire Azzopardi, Luke Bezzina, and Jared Micallef. The Games brought together over 1,000 athletes, coaches, officials, heads of delegation and dignitaries to Andorra, with athletes competing in 19 different sports.

Her participation in the 4x400m relay at these Games, where she helped Malta achieve a time of 3:50.66, represents one of her most recent international performances and demonstrates her value as both an individual competitor and team player.

Athletic Development and Training

Pace trains primarily at the Marsa Athletics Track in Malta, which serves as the home base for Maltese athletics. This facility is part of Malta’s national athletics infrastructure and provides the foundation for the country’s athletic development programs.

Current World Ranking

As of current World Athletics rankings, Pace is ranked #1959 in the world in the women’s 400 metres, positioning her among competitive international athletes in her primary event. This ranking reflects her development as a serious competitor on the global stage.

Family Athletics Connection

Interestingly, Pace appears to have a family connection to Malta’s athletics scene. Jordan Pace was also named as part of Malta’s athletics team for the 2025 Games of the Small States of Europe, suggesting a possible sibling relationship and indicating that athletic talent runs in the family.

Malta’s Athletics Context

Pace represents the new generation of Maltese athletes who are continuing the country’s proud athletics tradition. Athletics Malta supports more than 35 affiliated clubs, schools and organisations, with more than 8,000 registered athletes, providing a strong foundation for athletes like Pace to develop their talents.

Her achievements come as part of Malta’s broader athletic success story. Following a record-breaking performance at the Games of the Small States of Europe in Andorra, Malta’s athletics program has been gaining momentum and recognition on the international stage.

Future Prospects

At just 21 years old, Pace represents significant potential for Malta’s athletics future. Her multi-event capabilities, combined with her national championship success and international experience, position her well for continued development and potential breakthrough performances in major international competitions.

Zaida Pace embodies the dedication and versatility that characterizes modern track and field athletes. Her ability to compete successfully across multiple disciplines while maintaining high performance standards makes her a valuable asset to Malta’s national athletics program and a athlete to watch as she continues to develop her considerable talents on the international stage.

While specific details about her educational background and personal interests were not readily available in my search, her athletic achievements and commitment to representing Malta at the highest levels of competition demonstrate her dedication to excellence both as an individual athlete and as a representative of her country’s sporting ambitions.