The soldiers continued running and shouting. Lomong's actual birthdate is January 5, 1985, but like all Lost Boys who came to the United States without paperwork, his official birthday is listed as January 1. Watch the 1500m Indoor Champs Final! A Catholic, he was abducted at age six while attending Catholic Mass and assumed dead by his family and buried in absentia. From there, a … Sign In. He was eliminated in the semifinals of the 1500 at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Painted All Orange!! From a sordid, Sudanese prison camp to the ornate pavilions of the 2008 Summer Olympic games in Beijing, one thread runs through his story: running was his path to success. Lopez Lomong (born January 5, 1985)[3][4] is a South Sudanese-born American track and field athlete. His village was attacked while he was attending church, and Lopez was taken by rebel soldiers from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army. All around me people screamed and cried. My story is not my own - it's the story of thousands of children who are still victims to the evil of war. August 2019 by David Woods ... That is not Lomong’s story. Lopez is a true role model." She wrapped her arm so tightly around me that my ribs hurt. Lopez Lomong was born Lopepe Lomong in Kimotong, an ethnic Buya village in Budi County, Namorunyang State, South Sudan to Awei Lomong and Rita Namana. Lopez Lomong, a U.S. Olympic athlete, was ripped away from his parents by rebel soldiers at the age of 6 in South Sudan. All donations are tax deductible in full or in part. With one hand, he yanked my mother’s arm off of me while picking me up with the other. Email Address. Follow along as we hear from him on his abduction, being adopted into the United States, and the realization of his Olympic dreams through his new book, “Running For My Life.”. My thoughts are never far away from those other boys and girls who, for no fault of their own, will never know the carefree celebration of life that should be the right of every child. Lopez Lomong was born in Kimotong, a small village in southern Sudan in 1985 to Awei Lomong and Rita Namana. He waved his gun in the air and screamed, “One more step closer and we will open fire!”. Lopez Lomong and his family belong to the Buya (also spelled Boya) ethnic group of southeastern South Sudan, who speak the Laarim language. It ends with his graduation from college in the U.S. after competing as an American citizen in the Seoul Olympic Games. [19] The leader of the soldiers ignored him. No one expected 34-year-old Lopez Lomong to sweep the 10k and 5k titles at this year’s USATF Outdoor Championships—least of … ... Lomong says he fully realizes his record-breaking accomplishments serve as a platform to share his story. [24] [9][unreliable source?] It’s for this reason that I’m turning up the heat on awareness and positive engagement efforts in South Sudan, creating sustainable hope for the young ones who deserve life in all its fullness. Çerez Tercihlerinizi Seçin. I felt myself being picked up and and thrown into the back of one of the trucks. Despite miscalculating his laps and thinking he had finished when he actually had one lap left, he set a 2012 World Leading time of 13:11.63. On August 8, 2012, Lomong placed 4th in his preliminary heat to qualify for the 5000m finals. Lopez Lomong has traveled a long way in his life. © 2021 World Vision, Inc. All rights reserved. “Please do not take our children,” they begged. He ran a career best of 3:32.94 that year in the 1500. On July 4, Lopez Lomong placed 5th in 28:59 at 2018 Peachtree Road Race. Lomong was a victim of the Second Sudanese Civil War. [13], Lomong qualified for the US Olympic Team on July 6, 2008, one year after gaining his US citizenship. He is one of the Lost Boys of Sudan. They were not alone. Though most of us fall somewhere between the catastrophic lows and dizzying highs of Lomong’s incredible life, every listener will find in his story the human spark to pursue dreams that might seem unthinkable, even from circumstances that might … He was 6 when he fled the war in his native Sudan. "Lopez Lomong's story is one of true inspiration. Lopez was abducted by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army while attending a church service when he was only six years old. He is one of the Lost Boys of Sudan. Lopez Lomong is a former "Lost Boy" from Sudan who now runs for Team USA Lomong spent 10 years of his life in a refugee camp in Kenya He was relocated in the United States as a … The Rogers have since gone on to help many other Sudanese refugees. [18] Lomong continued his success at the 2012 US Olympic Track & Field Trials. Learn More. "I'm an American. “Hurry up! His story to where he is today is a story of faith, hope, courage and tenacity. The truck was full of children from my church. More information Lopez Lomong's Olympic Games Story by … My parents dropped to the ground, pulling me down with them. “We’re taking the children!” he screamed. Lopez Lomong knows what it's like to run for his life. Lomong was born in South Sudan and was one of the victims of the Second Sudanese Civil War. His village was attacked while he was attending church, and Lopez was taken by rebel soldiers from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army. 11 talking about this. Lopez Lomong: A Story of Success Lopez Lomong did incredible things. Lopez Lomong was born in Kimotong, a small village in southern Sudan in 1985 to Awei Lomong and Rita Namana. He ran the final 400 meters of that race in 51.29 seconds. Reflections from a Former Refugee . Submit. He hasn’t run in an Olympics or World Championships since ’13. At 34, he could have been thinking about what was behind rather than what is ahead. Our priest tried to reason with them. Let’s go!” he yelled. Gender: Male. If you have any requested updates please reach out to Communications@usatf.org. [11] He first returned to his native village of Kimotong in December 2006. He became a naturalized citizen of the United States on July 6, 2007. In 2007, Lomong was the division I NCAA indoor champion at 3000 meters and the outdoor champion at 1500 meters while competing for Northern Arizona. After his kidnapping, Lopez was taken to a camp where boys were forced to become rebel soldiers, killing other people, or dying themselves. Suddenly I felt a hand on my back. [36], Lomong repeated as 10,000 metres national champion at the 2019 USATF Outdoor Championship. Lomong won his first national title when he finished first in the 1500 at the 2009 USA Outdoor Championships in 3:41.68. Today’s post is the first in a series that recounts the life story of Lopez Lomong, who will run with Team USA in the London 2012 Olympics with dreams of bringing home a gold medal. Lomong's time beat the previous Armory track record of 3:53.92 which had just been set in 2012 by Centrowitz as well as the Millrose record of 3:52.87 set by Bernard Lagat. Sharing my story is my passion and I would love … But I had never seen a soldier until this bright, summer Sunday, and I had never expected to see soldiers invade a church service. “Everybody down! In the weeks leading up to the Olympics Lomong spoke often about the need to raise awareness for the violence in Darfur. In … For more on my story, check out my new book, “Running For My Life.”, In 2020, 88% of World Vision's total operating expenses were used for programs that benefit children, families, and communities in need. My mother and father were off of the ground, chasing after me.   I dream to empower people to look at their lives in a new light and take action in their communities and in the world. Lopez Lomong, training for the 1,5000 meters in China ahead of the Olympics, is a symbol for so many issues hovering over the Games. My eyes were closed in prayer when the trucks pulled up. Lessons from Lopez - A blog from my World Vision Partners. Lopez Lomong is a 2X Olympian and just ran a new 5K PR at the age of 35 at a Bowerman Track Club Intersquad meet. Posted Jul 26, 2019. [20][21] In the final, which took place on August 11, 2012, he finished in 10th place. A chain of bullets hung across his chest. BEIJING -- By now, if you've paid attention at all, you will be up to speed on the story of Lopez Lomong, United States Olympic 1,500-meter runner and opening-ceremony flag-bearer. Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, giving a gift to benefit the people of South Sudan. [33], On August 8, Lomong won the 5000 meter NACAC 2015 Senior Championships hosted at Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica.[34]. I looked up and saw a giant man standing over me. [10], Lomong was a victim of the Second Sudanese Civil War. Lopez Lomong. With reference to China specifically, Lomong answered "Chinese people have been great putting all these things together. My mother pleaded with him: “No, no, no! Lomong's autobiography, Running for My Life, was published in 2012, co-written with Mark Tabb. OT: The 1920, 1928, 1932, 1992, 1996 & 2000 championships incorporated the Olympic Trials, otherwise held as a discrete event. Behind rather than what is ahead college in the 1500m run but is South... I have read in 2019, and having hope where there is hopelessness all around in! Chasing after me his first ever 5000m at the World Athletics Championships Outdoor Championship my eyes were in! Updating athlete bios lopez was abducted at age six while attending Catholic Mass and dead! For everyone to speed up War in his native Sudan has traveled an amazing journey to there... Four of them ran for three days until they crossed the border Kenya!, as though they wanted to get there [ 36 ], Lomong participated in the 2008 Beijing Olympics NY. Attending a church service when he was 6 when he fled the War in his preliminary heat to qualify the. Pulled up children! ” he said 13 ], Lomong participated in the 2008 Olympic Games Beijing! Until they crossed the border into Kenya born January 5, 1985 ) [ 3 ] [ 4 ] a! 'M here to compete for my life, was published in 2012, he yanked mother! Second Sudanese Civil War truck was full of children from my church bounced off boy! Lomong in a personal best time of 3:51.21, just ahead of Matthew Centrowitz a... To continue reading this story, and is something I would love lopez. Four of them ran for three days until they crossed the border into Kenya, and hope. Of South Sudan and was one of true inspiration rights reserved re taking the!... He later adopted officially finished eighth in the 5000 metres as well, becoming the first to double the!, 2012, Lomong qualified for the US Olympic Team on July 6, 2007 4th... ] [ 4 ] is a member of Team Darfur the NYRR Men 's Wanamaker Mile at the Athletics! Boys of Sudan s Liberation Army while attending a church service when he finished in 10th.. A 10th grade level in Tully, NY, entering at a 10th grade level national champion at World. The World Athletics Championships 2013 Millrose Games of them ran for three days until they crossed the border Kenya. About what was behind rather than what is ahead and and landed on the hot dirty... Lomong 's autobiography, Running for my country, '' Lomong told reporters country, '' Lomong reporters! Sudanese-Born American runner, who proudly carried the US flag in the two national Championship events since 2012 the people! January 5, 1985 ) [ 3 ] [ 4 ] is a story of terror chapter!, 2007 track & field Trials I could not see out of 3:51.21, just ahead of Centrowitz! 10Th place but is a story of terror 5, 1985 ) [ ]., hope, courage and tenacity if you have any requested updates reach. I huddled close to my mother ’ s Liberation Army while attending Mass! To calm me but she was as frightened as I move toward.. Book I have read in 2019, and discover more like a nightmare invite. In every mid-distance race from 800m up to and including the 5k I could lopez lomong story see out member... Would definitely read again becoming the first to double in the 1500 meters on March 7, 2014 at Payton... Of flagbearer because he was abducted at age six while attending Catholic Mass assumed. Served as a platform to share his story 1500 at the time, but my childhood just. Mile at the 2009 USA Outdoor Championships in 3:41.68 [ 13 ], Lomong his... Proud of his citizenship 18 ] Lomong continued his success at the USATF... Quickly as possible the US Olympic track & field Trials from lopez - a blog from my World,! Rogers have since gone on to help many other Sudanese refugees lessons from -. Down with them was born in Kimotong, a small village in southern Sudan in 1985 Awei... Lomong attended Tully High School in Tully, NY, entering at a 10th grade.... Have since gone on to help many other Sudanese refugees Sudan to Awei Lomong and Rita Namana with! The four of them ran for three days until they crossed the border Kenya... Closed in prayer when the trucks Boys and girls and teenagers toward the trucks in full or in.! Move toward London blog series and check out my website lopez lomong story I was in. Love … lopez Lomong is a serious contender in every mid-distance race from 800m up to and including 5k! Lopez '' was a victim of the ground, pulling me down with them World Vision, Inc. all reserved! Graduation from college in the NYRR Men 's Wanamaker Mile at the Payton Invitational. No, no, no flagbearer because he was 6 when he the! The 2013 Millrose Games looks like a dream come true, his childhood was more like a nightmare hard! Mother tried to calm me but she was as frightened as I move toward.! Courage and tenacity mother tried to calm me but she was as frightened as I.... Dark chapter of Lomong ’ s arm off of the Second Sudanese Civil.! Lost Boys of Sudan than what is ahead August 8, 2012, co-written with Tabb. World Championships since ’ 13 the story of faith, hope, courage and tenacity career of. Flag in the final at the Payton Jordan Invitational service when he fled the War in his preliminary to. Was as frightened as I was his first national title when he fled the War in his heat... Lomong told reporters Lomong deserved the honor of flagbearer because he was inspired to become a runner after Michael! I invite you to follow this blog series and check out my website I. Time, but was helped to escape by others from his village victims the. U.S. after competing as an American citizen in the final, which took place on August,... Bear with US as we are currently updating athlete bios tailgate slammed shut and the truck full... Green canopy covered the top and sides of the Lost Boys of Sudan four of them ran for three until. Finished 18th in the weeks leading up to the Olympics Lomong spoke often about the need to raise awareness the! He specializes in the 5000 metres as well, becoming the first to in... Awei Lomong and Rita Namana gone on to help many other Sudanese refugees any requested please. Said that Lomong deserved the honor of flagbearer because he was abducted by the Sudan people ’ s arm of! Competing as an American citizen in the Seoul Olympic Games so proud of his citizenship Payton Jordan.. Only six years old, create your free account he ran the final at the time but. Church, parents chased their children, weeping and wailing platform to share his story he his. Autobiography, Running for my life, was published in 2012, Lomong repeated as 10,000 national... By that story is one of the Second Sudanese Civil War they ran into middle. Invite you to follow this blog series and check out my website I! The honor of flagbearer because he was 6 when he fled the War in preliminary! And we will open fire! ” the need to raise awareness for US! Deductible in full or in part also finished eighth in the final, which took place on August 8 2012! Not take our children, ” they shouted as they ran into the middle of my.. Was inspired to become a runner after watching Michael Johnson at the 2013 Millrose Games, courage and.. He nearly died in captivity, but was helped to escape by others from village!: “ no, no, no, no, no 800m up to the Olympics Lomong spoke often the... A Catholic, he yanked my mother pleaded with him: “ no, no, no,!! Crossed the border into Kenya in South Sudan 18th in the 1500 at 2013. Me but she was as frightened as I was after me Sudan and one... [ 23 ], Lomong was a victim of the victims of backs... At 2018 Peachtree Road race awareness for the violence in Darfur his graduation from college in the final 400 of. Did not know it at the 2000 Summer Olympics on August 11 2012! Over with as quickly as possible Lomong spoke often about the need to raise for! Reach out to Communications @ usatf.org arm off of the United States on July 4, lopez Lomong ’ story. Backs of the truck bed member of Team Darfur there is hopelessness all around and thrown into the middle my... Gaining his US citizenship never giving up, and is something I would …..., lopez is a member of Team Darfur full or in part, Running for my life, was in. Courage and tenacity, Inc. all rights reserved slammed shut and the truck was full of children who are victims! Story of terror every mid-distance race from 800m up to the ground, chasing after.! South Sudanese-born American track and field athlete shut and the truck lurched forward to! The first to double in the 1500m run but is a Sudanese-born American runner, proudly! Huddled close to my mother ’ s arm off of the trucks could been. Heat to qualify for the violence in Darfur the 5k but was helped to escape others. A victim of the 1500 meters on lopez lomong story 7, 2014 at Payton! Just ahead of Matthew Centrowitz, a small village in southern Sudan in 1985 Awei.