Timorese national squad up for the challenge

Dili, 17 June (PPT) Since the national selections in March, 10 male and 10 female runners have been living, eating and training under the guidance of the National Athletics Federation. The squad has been formed for a second year running and is once again supported by the Sunrise Joint Venture.

After the resounding success of last year’s national squad the decision was taken again to seek funding for a formed squad that would offer nutrition and training to the Timorese cohort of runners. Woodside Petroleum, ConocoPhillips, Shell and Osaka Gas together as the Sunrise Joint Venture joined with the Dili Marathon and the National Athletics Federation to make this a reality.

The runners have been training twice daily at Taci Tolu and around Dili. “We’ve really been training hard to give ourselves the best possible chance of winning in the Half and Full Marathons” said Mariana Dias Ximenes. The athletes are taking inspiration from their country: “I hope that in the future I can become a good athlete to show to other country that Timor is also capable, to show that I am also capable” said Francisco Maria dos Santos.

The top four athletes will this year be competing in the New York City Marathon. The training they have been receiving has helped the runners get closer to their international competitors. With sub 2h30 times expected from the two male runners, and sub 3 hours from the top two females, there are high hopes for further improvements.

With the London Olympics happening next year, there will be increased need for high level training and increased opportunity to bring the name of Timor-Leste as a distance-running haven to the rest of the world. This year’s Dili City of Peace Marathon will be a fantastic opportunity to see the real gains made by the team.

Woodside General Manager Timor-Leste said the Sunrise Joint Venture was eager to support the Dili Marathon for the second year.

“ The sponsorship of the national squad is part of the Sunrise LNG Development’s wider social investment program which aims to provide sustainable benefits to the health and education of the Timorese. We wish the athletes all the best for the race” he said.