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Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Lopez Lomong: An American Inspiration

Lopez Lomong will be carrying the United States flag during the opening ceremonies at the Bejing Olympics. The 1500 meter runner was chosen by the captains of the U.S. Olympic team for the honor. He has been a U.S. citizen for 13 months.

From an ESPN.com story:

"He was born in Sudan, separated from his parents at the point of a gun at age 6, and with the help of friends, he escaped confinement and made it 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."

Lomong said, "In America, everyone has a chance to do all these things."

He did not whine, complain and cry on Oprah's couch about how unfair life has been. He ran. He ran some more. And he succeeded.

And he is proud.

"I feel happy, honored. I'm feeling so blessed to get an opportunity to present the United States of America, to present the United States flag in front of my team."

I will make a point of watching the opening ceremonies and the 1500 meter race. No one will cheer louder for Lomong than me.

Postscript

Perhaps the wealthy, Ivy-League educated Michelle Obama should spend some time with Lomong. It wasn't until Febuary of this year that she felt proud of America for the first time in her adult life.

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