On the U.S. Senate floor last week, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire heaped praise on the most inspirational athlete competing in the 2012 Olympics: Guor Marial. (Video)
? No matter the outcome in London, the story of Guor Marial, and the adversity he has overcome, belongs to everyone. Win or lose, he will stand as a lasting inspiration for people around the globe . . . .
There are over 14,000 athletes representing 204 nations in London. However, Marial will not be representing any country and will instead compete as an independent marathoner under the Olympic banner.
Guor Marial
Guor Marial is a 28-year-old refugee from South Sudan. In a tale that resembles biblical myth, Marial’s journey involves a narrow escape from death. In 1994, at the age of eight, he was kidnapped and forced into a labor camp during a bloody civil war. The Sudanese police broke Marial?s jaw with rifle butts after they arrested his uncle, who was accused of working with rebels.
Video: Senator: Marial represents the best of Olympic spirit
Eight of his brothers and sisters were killed. His parents survived the conflict but Marial has not seen them in 20 years.
Marial escaped to Egypt, and then permanently to the United States (New Hampshire) in 2001. He was granted refugee status by the U.S. government when he was 16, and now trains in Flagstaff, Arizona. He has a green card but is not a U.S. citizen.
Independent Athlete
The Dinka tribesman-turned-refugee hopes that someone will reach out to his parents to find a television – his village does not have electricity or running water – so they can watch their son compete for a gold medal.
South Sudan does not have a recognized national Olympic committee, and thus cannot send athletes to compete in London. The National Olympic Committee of Sudan offered Marial a slot in the Sudanese team. He rejected the offer, saying:
? It’s not right for me to do that. It’s not right for me to represent the country I refuged from. If I ran for Sudan, I would be betraying my people. I would be dishonoring the two million people who died for our freedom.
Pleading Marial’s case with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Sen. Shaheen wrote the organization:
? Given Mr. Marial?s story, his running under the flag of Sudan would be simply wrong. I believe there is only one solution to the challenges facing his participation at the 2012 London Games: Mr. Marial should be permitted by the International Olympic Committee to participate as an independent participant, competing under the great Olympic flag.
Last month, the IOC – further lobbied by the U.S. state department, Refugees International, and others – granted an exemption that allowed Marial to participate in London as an independent athlete competing under the Olympic flag. (Independent athletes march between Iceland and India, but Marial did not receive his travel documents in time and thus did not walk in the Olympic opening ceremony held last week.)
Refugee
Guor Marial’s odyssey in track and field began in high school in New Hampshire. The 5’11” 130-pounder earned a scholarship at Iowa State where he got recognition as an All-American during his junior year in 2009. While most runners strive for individual excellence, Marial exerted himself in order to numb the pain from the horrors of his youth.
If he wins the men’s marathon, a national anthem won’t blare in the loudspeakers. Instead, organizers will play the Olympic hymn with lyrics that begin with:
? May valor reign victorious Along the path of golden way
As tomorrow’s new champions now come forth Rising to the fervent spirit of the game Let splendour pervade each noble deed Crowned with glory and fame
Olympic Spirit
Since Guol Marial holds no citizenships, he’s the only participant in the London Games without any true country. He is considered a long shot to win the gold in men’s marathon, although experts believe that the 28-year-old is a contender for the silver and bronze.
However, Marial’s triumphs won’t be measured by world records or medals. His odyssey from tragedy to redemption, from slavery to triumph, has shown that no athlete deserves a better shot at representing the Olympic flag.
Because of his incredible gallantry, the world will root for a hero who transcends origin and nationality, whose unwavering devotion reflects the very best of the Olympic spirit.
Copyright 2012 Marv Dumon. This material may not be published, rewritten or redistributed. All rights reserved.
