<p>Lopez Lomong's remarkable journey from Sudanese Civil War to the Olympic Games underscores the capacity of the human spirit to overcome extraordinary adversity, giving hope and inspiration to pursue dreams that might seem unthinkable.</p><p>Lopez began his journey in Sudan, where he was kidnapped by rebel soldiers at just six years old. After boldly escaping capture, he spent 10 years as a refugee until he was adopted by a U.S. family at 16. As Lopez acclimated to American life, his long runs through city streets quickly demonstrated his extraordinary athleticism.</p><p>Upon becoming an American citizen, Lopez earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic track & field team and competed in Beijing in 2008, where he was honored as the team's flagbearer and in London in 2012. He continues to train while working on behalf of the Lopez Lomong foundation, which he founded to improve the lives of those affected by the Sudanese Civil War.</p><p>At the heart of Lopez's presentations is a palpable and inspiring faith in the American spirit. As he shares his remarkable story of extreme hardship, survival and success, Lopez motivates audiences to pursue their dreams with hope, diligence and perseverance.</p>
Olympic track and field athlete and one of the Lost Boys of Sudan
<ul><li><Strong>Running for My Life: One Lost Boy’s Journey from the Killing Fields of Sudan to the Olympic Games</Strong></li><li>U.S. Olympian Lopez Lomong has achieved what many might consider the impossible. From a boy of six taken from his parents by the Sudanese rebel army to competing in the Beijing and London Olympics, Lomong's life and career have shown that his capacity to achieve in the face of extreme adversity is indomitable. In this speech, Lopez shares with audiences his remarkable story of what it took to accomplish his American dream, while spreading the word about what can be done in the Sudan to give hope and opportunities to people who started out just like him.</li></ul>