31 May 2022 | 21:32 | LATEST POSTS
After the 31st SEA Games ended, Vietnamese fans certainly cannot forget the touching story of this East Timorese track and field athlete. The man, holding the Vietnamese flag, celebrated with his teammates along the pitch immediately after winning two historic medals for his national team. Felisberto De Deus performed a miracle on May 17th at the My Dinh Stadium, worthy of the title of “hero” of East Timor.
Born into a family of eight brothers, Felisberto quickly realized the advantage of being a fast runner while playing with friends in every little corner. From then on, the young man seemed to practice ball while playing, and his passion for track and field gradually ignited in him.
At the age of 16, he participated in the professional competition for the first time and won the award a year later. Although he didn’t achieve many notable results, Felisberto continued to train, optimistic and never intended to give up.
Felisberto once participated in the 30th Southeast Asian Games, but luck has yet to laugh. In 2020, at the Tokyo Olympics, he was given the responsibility of raising the flag at the opening ceremony and competed in the men’s 1500m, but has yet to win a medal.
In preparation for the SEA Games, Felisberto had to practice early in the morning or early evening to avoid tropical showers or the scorching heat of East Timor. The equipment and training grounds are rudimentary, not full of rubbish and gravel, and it is a badly degraded stadium. Emotional male athlete shares: “I run 20 kilometers every day. The main track is on the road, the village road near my home. Every Friday, I can practice at the stadium.”
After returning from Vietnam, Timor-Leste’s athletes were warmly welcomed by the fans of their home country like true heroes. Not only were they received by government officials, awarded medals and prizes, but they were also paraded into the streets, where they were congratulated by large numbers of East Timorese on both sides.
However, what caught the attention of Vietnamese fans the most was the image of Ferris Beto and the East Timorese athletes holding the mascot of San La and the Vietnamese flag in their hands. Not only that, hats and conical hats presented by Vietnamese fans were also carried along the entire parade route. It’s really one of those moments worth keeping, and sports really tie the patriotic soul together.
Previously, the male athlete had many Vietnamese fans come to the hotel of the Timor-Leste sports delegation with simple gifts. The image of Ferlisberto wearing a helmet while resting at the airport was also highly appreciated and appreciated by the Vietnamese online community.
See more: How did Vietnamese esports succeed at the 31st Southeast Asian Games?
Timorese athletes have always suffered from many disadvantages in terms of training facilities and hot weather compared to other countries. In addition, athletics is known as the “queen” sport at sports festivals, so Felisberto’s achievement of 2 silver medals at the 31st Southeast Asian Games is commendable and makes your people extremely proud.
photosynthesis
