Posted
8-6-08
Lomong selected to carry U.S. flag in Opening Ceremony
Beijing, China (Sports Network) - Distance runner Lopez Lomong has been selected as flag bearer for the United States in the Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Olympic Games.
Lomong, who will compete in the 1,500 meters in Beijing, was chosen in a vote by U.S. captains from each sport.
"This is the most exciting day ever in my life," said Lomong. "It's a great honor for me that my teammates chose to vote for me. The Opening Ceremony is the best day and the best moment of Olympic life. I'm here as an ambassador of my country and I will do everything I can to represent my country well."
Lomong was born in Sudan and fled the country when he was six years old. He lived in a refugee camp in Kenya for 10 years, and in 2000 walked five miles to watch the Sydney Olympics on a black and white television.
His dream of competing in the Olympics began there.
After watching Michael Johnson run, Lomong wrote an essay about what he would like to accomplish if given the chance to live in the United States. Officials gave him the opportunity and he moved to the U.S. with a foster family in Tully, New York.
Lomong became a U.S. citizen in July 2007.
"The American flag means everything in my life -- everything that describes me, coming from another country and going through all of the stages that I have to become a U.S. citizen," Lomong added. "This is another amazing step for me in celebrating being an American. Seeing my fellow Americans coming behind me (in the Opening Ceremony) and supporting me will be a great honor -- the highest honor. It's just a happy day. I don't even have the words to describe how happy I am."
Lomong, who attended Northern Arizona University, finished third in the U.S. Olympic team trials to earn his spot on the squad. He won the 2007 NCAA outdoor 1,500 meter title and the 2007 NCAA indoor 3,000 meter crown.
The U.S. flag bearer for the 2004 Games in Athens was women's basketball star Dawn Staley.
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