Lomong’s New Title: Commencement Speaker

The Sudan native came to the U.S. in 2001 as one of the “Lost Boys.”

Two-time Olympian Lopez Lomong is slated to speak at the University of North Alabama’s graduation this weekend.

Lomong, who competed in the 1500m at the Beijing Games and the 5000m in London, came to the U.S. as one of the “Lost Boys of Sudan” as a youngster in 2001.

After watching Michael Johnson at the 2000 Olympics, Lomong was inspired to be a runner. He competed in Beijing just one year after becoming a U.S. citizen.

At age 6, Lomong and other children were able to escape captivity during Sudan’s civil war. He eventually made it to Kenya and lived there for 10 years before being relocated to the U.S.

Long was the recipient of USA Track & Field’s Humanitarian Award in 2012 for the efforts of his foundation, which provides health care, clean water and education to those who need it in Sudan.

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