Lomong is just a great story

Well, at least now I have a reason to watch the Olympic opening ceremonies.

 

I’d love to see Lopez Lomong carry the Stars and Stripes, leading the American team into the games.

 

That’s in part because I covered several cross country races and track meets that Lomong competed in for Tully High School, usually against some of the top runners from the Mohawk Valley.

 

It’s also in part because of his story. Lomong is one of The Lost Boys of Sudan, who came to Central New York as refugees after suffering mightily in their home country and through 10 years of hard living in a Kenyan displaced persons camp.

 

Talk about the American Dream. This is a guy who was thought dead by his parents for many years after he was kidnapped by soldiers. Who didn’t’ know how to turn on a light switch when he first came to the United States. Who had no idea how to regulate the water temperature in the shower, instead shivering under the cold water and thinking that’s how white people became white.

 

I remember Lomong as a long and lanky running machine, very good, but not always better than the guys from around here. He went on to a great career at Northern Arizona, made the Olympic team in the 1,500 meters, and now will enjoy what many consider the ultimate honor for an Olympian.

 

That’s pretty cool. We wish Lopez nothing but the best in Beijing and hope he earns a medal, but whether he does or not, he’s already a winner.

 

 

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