It's such an American story. A lost boy of Sudan, refugee for 10 years, adopted by a family in upstate New York and learns English. He then gets a full-ride scholarship for track and field to Northern Arizona University and goes through the process to become a US citizen. Just a year (to the day!) after becoming a US citizen, he qualifies to be on the US team for the 1500 meters. Then, through a democratic process, he is selected to be carry the US flag at the Opening Ceremonies.
Being around my ultra-patriotic grandma has rubbed off on me. I teared up last night when the US team walked around the track.
When asked about being voted to carry the flag, Lomong said, "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 said in the statement. "This is another amazing step for me in celebrating being an American. Seeing my fellow Americans coming behind me 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."
Here's the full story:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/06/AR2008080600877.html
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1 comment:
When I was watching the opening ceremonies I started screaming, AHH!! Alli knows that guy and sat by him on the plane!!! Freak out!! So amazing!!!
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