Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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August 8, 2008

Former 'Lost Boy' from Sudan Carries US Flag at Beijing Olympics 
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Lopez Lomong, 23, who came to US after harrowing escape from Sudan,
leads US athletes into stadium at opening ceremony 
Sudanese-born Lopez Lomong led the U.S. athletes as they marched into
China's National Stadium during the opening ceremonies for the Beijing
Olympics. VOA's Jim Stevenson has more on the 23-year-old track runner,
who was one of the so-called Lost Boys of Sudan.Lopez Lomong speaks
during press conference at main press center in Beijing, 08 Aug
2008Joseph Lopepe (Lopez) Lomong was kidnapped from his village in
Kimotong, Sudan, at the age of six. He escaped by tunneling under the
wire fence of his compound and spent three days on the run. Lomong found
himself across the border in Kenya, where he lived for 10 years at the
Kakuma refugee camp.He was able to make his way to the United States,
where athletics became an important part of his life. The 1500-meter
runner, who became a U.S. citizen last year, recalls his inspiration
came from grainy television images of star American runner Michael
Johnson at the 2000 Sydney Olympics."We walked five miles to the only
black and !
 white television in that area," Lomong recalled. "And the first thing
that came on was Michael [Johnson] running the Olympics with a USA
jersey on. I tell you, he was fast. And I said I want to run as fast as
that guy. And I want to run for that country. I want to wear that same
uniform."Lomong hopes he can pass along similar inspiration to young
viewers of the Beijing Games."I hope I am here to inspire other kids
that are watching other Olympics as I did in watching the Sydney
Olympics," he said.Lomong is excited to have the chance to mingle with
other athletes at the Olympics and tell his story and about his new
country."The whole world is coming together," Lomong said. "And I have
to take this opportunity to meet everybody out there. That is what I am
here for. I am just going to be a good ambassador for my country."Lopez
Lomong was a victim of the conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan. He
has been critical about Chinese cooperation with the government!
  in Sudan, which ultimately mapped his circuitous and perilous journey
 to freedom. Lomong's teammates selected him to carry the U.S. flag for
the Opening Ceremonies. And he hopes that symbol will provide
inspiration well beyond the actual competition.


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