Lopez Lomong

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.

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.

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.

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.