THE long wait is over for Timor Leste as the country finally nailed a medal in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
The distinction belongs to taekwondo jin Imbrolia De Araujo Dos Reis Amorin, who placed third in the women’s -57kg division to win the bronze. It is in the same weight class where Pauline Lopez of the Philippines won the gold.
Two boxers from Timor Leste are also assured of a bronze after flyweight Jose Barreto Quintas Da Silva and light heavyweight Frederico Soares Sarmento lost in their semifinal bout, but the medals will only reflect on the tally once the boxing competition ends on Monday.
Amorin was awarded with the bronze during the medal ceremony on Sunday to the delight of Filipinos who watched at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The 22-year-old Dos Reis was mighty proud.
“It’s the first medal for my country. That’s why I’m so emotional. I feel so happy. I’m so excited. I give this medal for our country,” said Amorin.
After the medal ceremony, Amorin was actually the last person to go back to the dugouts since she had to accommodate selfie requests from Filipino fans.
Amorin is very grateful to the Filipinos who rooted for her.
During her semifinal match against Cambodia, Dos Reis even earned cheers from the Filipino fans at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Listen to the Filipino fans after Dos Reis of Timor Leste came to the mat for her semifinal match against Cambodia (???? @zhazhareynales) #SEAGames2019 #WeWinAsOne @spinph pic.twitter.com/TJyZuG1A1d
— Reuben Terrado (@reubensports) December 8, 2019
Amorin said she also didn’t expect that she will be showered with support from the Filipino people.
“Thank you for the Philippines for supporting me,” said Amorin. “I’m so happy. I’m just going to say thank you for all the Filipino people for supporting my country for the medal.”
Amorin said she is very proud of the winning moment, having trained for seven months for her first SEA Games.
“My biggest win is to give some medal for my country. This is the first time I’m in the SEA Games so I’m just feeling so happy for this,” said Amorin.
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