East Timor at the 2000 Summer Paralympics
The journey of East Timor in the Paralympic movement began under unique geopolitical circumstances. During the 2000 Summer Paralympics held in Sydney, the region was under the administration of the United Nations and lacked a recognized National Paralympic Committee (NPC)—the national organization responsible for managing a country's participation in the Games.
Because they lacked an official NPC, athletes from East Timor could not compete under their own national flag. Instead, they participated as Individual Paralympic Athletes (IPA), a designation used by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) for competitors who do not have a recognized national representative body.
Key Facts
- Event: 2000 Summer Paralympics in Sydney.
- Status: Competed as Individual Paralympic Athletes (IPA).
- Delegation Size: 2 athletes.
- Sports Represented: Track and field and powerlifting.
- Medal Count: 0 gold, 0 silver, 0 bronze.
- Official Debut: East Timor later made its official national debut in 2008.
Athlete Performances and Results
Two athletes represented East Timor in Sydney, competing in two different sporting disciplines. Their participation marked a significant early step for the region's presence in international adaptive sports.
Track and Field
Alcino Pereira competed in the men's 5,000m race within the T38 category, a classification for athletes with coordination impairments. However, Pereira was unable to complete his race.
Powerlifting
Mateus Lukas competed in the men's powerlifting event in the up to 48 kg weight category. Lukas successfully lifted 105 kg, which placed him 13th and last among the athletes who managed to complete a successful lift in his category.
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Summary of Participation
The following table summarizes the participation of East Timor's athletes during the Sydney 2000 Games.
| Athlete | Sport | Event/Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcino Pereira | Track and Field | Men's 5,000m (T38) | Did not finish |
| Mateus Lukas | Powerlifting | Men's up to 48 kg | 13th (105 kg) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did East Timor compete as Individual Paralympic Athletes in 2000?
At the time of the 2000 Sydney Games, East Timor was administered by the United Nations and did not have a recognized National Paralympic Committee (NPC).
Who were the athletes that represented East Timor in 2000?
The two athletes were Alcino Pereira, who competed in track and field, and Mateus Lukas, who competed in powerlifting.
Did East Timor win any medals at the 2000 Summer Paralympics?
No, the athletes did not win any gold, silver, or bronze medals during the 2000 Games.
When did East Timor make its official Paralympic debut as a nation?
Following its formal recognition, East Timor made its official Paralympic debut in 2008.
Is the IPA designation the same as Independent Paralympic Participants?
No, the Individual Paralympic Athletes (IPA) designation used in 2000 should not be confused with the Independent Paralympic Participants name given to Yugoslavian athletes at the 1992 Summer Paralympics.