DILI, 09 january 2022 (TATOLI) – Yohan Gonçalves, French-Timorese skier is proudly representing Timor-Leste in the Olympic Games Beijing 2022, China.
“I am very proud because once again I am representing my beloved country Timor-Leste to participate in the Olympic Games Beijing 2022. I believe that my fellow Timorese will support me even though they will not directly accompany my competition in Beijing, China,” Gonçalves said in a statement on tuesday.
Gonçalves thanked all parties for their immense support in helping him with his training to participate in the competition.
“I would like to thank my team, especially my trainer, Sky Federation Timor-Leste, and the government of Timor-Leste for supporting me with my preparation to compete in the Olympic Games Beijing 2022,” he said.
The official opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Beijing 2022 took place on february 4.
The 27-year-old Timorese skier would compete in the category of Giant Slalom Men.
According to the schedule of the Olympic Games Beijing 2022, the skiing competition would take place on february 13, at 11.15 Timor-Leste’s time. So, Timorese skier, Yohan Gonçalves would kick off his skiing competition on february 16 at 11.15 Timor-Leste time.
Athletes from 84 countries around the globe would compete in the Olympic games which had been scheduled to conclude on february 20.
This year Gonçalves would make his appearance for the third time in the skiing competition.
Yohan Gonçalves, the French-Timorese alpine skier who has competed since 2013 was also qualified to compete for Timor-Leste at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. By doing so, he became the first athlete ever to qualify from Timor-Leste at the Winter Olympics. He also competed for Timor-Leste at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
In France, Gonçalves developed his movements and skills for skiing since he was two years old
After representing Timor-Leste to participate in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, Timor-Leste’s government requested Gonçalves to be Timor-Leste’s Youth Ambassador.
Journalist: Hortencio Sanchez
Editor: Florencio Miranda Ximenes
Translation: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Rafy Belo
