Illinois track and field announced on Friday that they are signing two-time Malta National Champion Mireya Bugeja. The 18-year-old is a middle-distance runner who primarily competes in the 1500m, 800m and 600m races.
Bugeja had an exceptional month of April, setting two U20 national records in two different disciplines. The first was on April 5 at the Athletics Malta Open Challenge 3, where she ran a 2:10.46 in the 800m race, breaking the record that previously stood for nine years. The second was on April 19, when she ran a 4:26.91 in the 1500m race at the Loughborough Open inc. BUCS 10,000m.
Bugeja also set a U20 and U23 national record back in February at the Malta Winter Championships Open with her second place time of 1:34.70. She also currently holds a top-1,000 world ranking in womenʼs 800m.
As she continues to set new records at such a young age, Bugeja will undoubtedly become a bright spot and key piece for Illinois’ future. Illinois begins its 2026 season next January, so Bugeja will have lots of time to train and develop with the coaching staff before making her Illini debut early next year.
