Lomong to Carry U.S. Flag
U.S. track star Lopez Lomong, one of the Lost Boys of Sudan, has been selected to carry the flag for his adopted country in Friday's Opening Ceremonies.
Team captains voted on the honor Wednesday night, with Lomong, 23, winning the right to lead the U.S. team just 13 months after becoming a U.S. citizen.
"It's more than a dream," Lomong told The Associated Press. "I keep saying, I'm not sure if this is true or not true. I'm making the team and now I'm the first guy coming to the stadium and the whole world will be watching me carry the flag. There are no words to describe it."
Lomong is one of three American men competing in the 1,500 meters. All are naturalized citizens; Bernard Lagat is from Kenya and Leo Manzano from Mexico.
Lomong was separated from his parents at the point of a gun at the age of six. He escaped confinement and made his way to a refugee camp in Kenya. In 2001, he was brought to America as part of a program to relocate lost children from war-torn Sudan.
"In America, everyone has a chance to do all these things," Lomong said. "You follow the rules, people will choose, and if I'm blessed to get that opportunity, I'll get it."
By
Tracee Hamilton
|
August 6, 2008; 10:28 AM ET
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Posted by: Jon DeNunzio | August 6, 2008 2:46 PM | Report abuse
This is beautiful - the US Olympic team is to be commended for keeping with the spirit of the Olympics, but making a profound statement that just can't be ignored.
Posted by: Richard | August 6, 2008 4:14 PM | Report abuse
His story from where he started to where he is now. Fantastic. I hope he can win a medal.
Posted by: Monty | August 6, 2008 5:33 PM | Report abuse
A wonderful selection !
Posted by: GSG | August 6, 2008 7:28 PM | Report abuse
He really is a good guy too.
Posted by: sitruc | August 7, 2008 8:33 AM | Report abuse
Dear All,
It's with overwhelming joy and enormous pride that I heard the news yesterday that my dear friend and fellow Sudanese refugee Lopez Lomong was selected by his fellow American athletes to represent them and carry the U.S. flag as they march together into the Olympic Stadium at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Opening Ceremony.
Lopez is an incredible athlete (1,500-meter runner) and a talented young man who has spent many years in training to compete at the highest elite level. I am proud to call him a friend and am encouraged by what this means for all Lost Boys and Girls and the people of Sudan.
During his incredible life journey from the endless miles walked in his childhood to his athletic success today, he has not only preserved but has risen to such a level of accomplishment, becoming a model for so many worldwide. Through the grace of God and kindness of Americans, Lopez has become a symbol of unity, hope and what the future of the world can offer.
Thanks
John Dau
ABOUT JOHN DAU
John Dau is a former Lost Boy of Sudan who was featured in the award-winning documentary God Grew Tired Of Us. Today, he is the President of the John Dau Sudan Foundation based in Syracuse, New York which is committed to transforming healthcare in Southern Sudan. The Foundation oversees and is the primary financial supporter of the Duk Lost Boys Clinic located in Dau's home village in Duk County. For more information about Dau visit www.johndaufoundation.org.
CONTACT:
Katelyn Hancock
Assistant to the President
John Dau Sudan Foundation
518 James Street, Suite 200
Syracuse, NY 13220
315 255-6061
800 759-4443
khancock@johndaufoundation.org
www.johndaufoundation.org
Posted by: pmullin | August 7, 2008 12:49 PM | Report abuse
Dear All,
It's with overwhelming joy and enormous pride that I heard the news yesterday that my dear friend and fellow Sudanese refugee Lopez Lomong was selected by his fellow American athletes to represent them and carry the U.S. flag as they march together into the Olympic Stadium at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Opening Ceremony.
Lopez is an incredible athlete (1,500-meter runner) and a talented young man who has spent many years in training to compete at the highest elite level. I am proud to call him a friend and am encouraged by what this means for all Lost Boys and Girls and the people of Sudan.
During his incredible life journey from the endless miles walked in his childhood to his athletic success today, he has not only preserved but has risen to such a level of accomplishment, becoming a model for so many worldwide. Through the grace of God and kindness of Americans, Lopez has become a symbol of unity, hope and what the future of the world can offer.
Thanks
John Dau
ABOUT JOHN DAU
John Dau is a former Lost Boy of Sudan who was featured in the award-winning documentary God Grew Tired Of Us. Today, he is the President of the John Dau Sudan Foundation based in Syracuse, New York which is committed to transforming healthcare in Southern Sudan. The Foundation oversees and is the primary financial supporter of the Duk Lost Boys Clinic located in Dau's home village in Duk County. For more information about Dau visit www.johndaufoundation.org.
CONTACT:
Katelyn Hancock
Assistant to the President
John Dau Sudan Foundation
518 James Street, Suite 200
Syracuse, NY 13220
315 255-6061
800 759-4443
khancock@johndaufoundation.org
www.johndaufoundation.org
Posted by: pmullin | August 7, 2008 12:50 PM | Report abuse
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