Timorese athletes Francelina ‘Anche’ Marques Cabral, Agusto Ramos and Nelia Martins returned to Timor-Leste on 28 August after participating in the Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil.
They received a warm welcome from friends, supporters and representatives of the Olympic Commission and Cycling Federation after arriving at Dili international airport about 2.30pm.
Athlete Agostu Ramos said was very proud to have the opportunity to represent his country at the Olympics and that as a small country Timor-Leste could participate in an international event.
“It is a great experience for us [to compete] in the Olympic Games,” he said.
“We met many famous international athletes and I believe with the experience that I gained [there] I can improve my talent.”
Ramos, who competed in the 1500m track event, also ran a personal best time of 4:11, beating his previous record of 4:16.
Cabral, Timor’s first female cyclist to compete at Olympic level, said the 30km cross country mountain bike course was extremely difficult compared to other events in Asia that she had previously participated in.
The route included large rocks and holes, which were difficult to get across.
“In some sections I felt like I don’t want to continue because it was so extreme, but I said to myself that I have to the best I can and finally I passed it and I feel like it was great victory for me and I am so proud for fly Timor’s flag in this event,” she said.
“I am so proud to take part in the games and I will never forget this in my whole life.”
Of the 20 countries represented in the cross country event, she was one of just two competitors from the Asia region.
She said she would like to see a similar extreme course in Asian events to prepare cyclists to compete in international events at a high standard.
Cabral finished in 28th position out of 30 cyclists and although she didn’t get a medal she said she was happy to have the experience.
She also thanked her family, friends and sponsors who had supported her and helped her take part in the event.
The President Cycling Federation, Angelo Henriques, said Cabral’s achievement was a positive step for the future of cycling in Timor-Leste.
“I think it is a positive step for the Cycling Federation, especially Timor-Leste because it is a first time for a cyclist to take part in the Olympic Games,” he said.
He acknowledged that although it had not been easy for Cabral to participate, he was proud of her performance it showed that Timor-Leste also had a great cyclist.
Going forward, he said the federation would pay more attention in terms of providing training to junior cyclists and preparing them to compete in international events.
