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A loser at Asiad, a hero for Timor-Leste

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"I come here just to represent my country," said Barros Jacinto after finishing at the bottom of men's weightlifting 77kg category at the Guangzhou Asiad on Tuesday.

Barros comes from Timor-Leste, a small southeast Asian country with a little population of 1.1 million.

Even in Group B consisting of lower-level lifters, Barros was the first to finish both snatch and jerk with a total of 160kg, 80kg less than the fourth in the six-lifters field, and even 50kg less than the women's 48kg winner Wang Mingjuan of China.

However, comparing with the entry total of 100kg, Barros was satisfied with his performance. "I'm really proud of that. It's my first time to participat in such a big games," said Barros, a father of two children, with a smile.

"My family and my friends in Timor-Leste were watching TV live of the competition. They are also proud of me and my teammates."

Timor-Leste send 29 athletes to participate in nine sports at the Guangzhou Asiad.

Worked as a security member in his country, Barros started weightlifting only three months before the Guangzhou Asiad.

"I hold the second best record of powerlifting in my county, therefore I want to have a try of weightlifting, a sport combines not only power but also technics," said Barros.

After he decided to train in weightlifting, he came to know that the Guangzhou Asiad would begin soon. "I told my current coach that I hope to participate, then I came to Guangzhou."

The 31-year-old Barros spent one and a half hour every day in training from the basic level. "I went to the training center after work by bike, and I have to afford the food by myself," said Barros.

Besides, as the the training center in his country lacked the basic equipment, for instance the support of barbell, Barros has to buy the equipment himself.

"I didn't regret about my decision, because I love weightlifting, I hope to show the world that my country can do in weightlifting." added Barros, who considered weightlifting as "career" or "dream".

Looking ahead to the future, Barros said he would continue weightlifting. "From the Guangzhou Asiad, I recognize the distance between the average level and me. I will go on my dream no matter what," said Barros.

"The Asean Games will be held in Indonesia next year, hopefully I can have the chance to participate."