One of the reasons we love the Olympics is viewing stories of triumph against overwhelming odds in sports as a metaphor for life. Sometimes that metaphor is all to real.
Lopez Lomong has been chosen to carry the US flag in the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. Lomong, born in Sudan, was abducted by Sudanese soldiers when he was 6. He escaped and ran to Kenya where he was lived in a refugee camp. At age 16 he was relocated to the United States.
I highly recommend listening to the NPR story about Lomong here. His story is both a celebration of human triumph, and a reminder of the continuing tragedy in Darfur/Sudan.
Note: China is an ally of the Sudanese government. Lomong’s selection as the US flag carrier is a great exmple of surbversive resistance against the Chinese government’s oppression of reporters who speak against Sudan.
Audio link: ‘Lost Boy’ To Carry U.S. Flag In Olympic Ceremony
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