Chasing the Olympic Dream

When most people think of going out for a run, it is usually followed by a groan and perhaps a bit of dread. While it is difficult for many to understand the appeal of running, there are those “crazy” ones out there who can hardly sleep through the night because they crave that morning long run.

Running is part of human, woman, and nature. It is one with humans and the evolution of sports. In fact, Track & Field was one of the first sports ever recorded during Ancient Greek times. This sport allowed athletes to come from all different areas of the country and compete at an array of sports. What a sight to see! Since then, track and field has become quite the spectator sport, entertaining even those who don’t really consider themselves sports fans. Tapping into the runner’s mind is a gift. There is a mountain of defeat, hopelessness and dread that one must overcome before this euphoric state of being is reached. It is something beyond this world; this is why it is difficult to understand for many.

I am very fortunate to have felt this type of running “addiction” so to speak. And that it truly is. ..an addiction. In 2006, I was recruited to Northern Arizona University for cross-country and track and field. I was, and still am, a distance runner. I love running so far that I forget what mile I am, or for that matter where I am. I crave that feeling of losing myself within the power of running. While I was running at NAU, I felt so grateful to be surrounded by such an immense running community. Flagstaff Arizona, breathing at about 7,000 ft, was surrounded by soaring pine trees, snow covered peaks and some very fast runners.

During my time at NAU, I was blessed to meet some very amazing people, one of these people being Mr. Lopez Lomang. Lopez Lomang is recognized by many people throughout the world for his achievements in running, as the flag bearer at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and for his incredible journey to get to where he is today. Lomang, who currently resides in Portland Oregon, represented the United States in the 1,500m race in 2008 and is looking to qualify in both the 1,500 and 5,000m races this coming week in Eugene, Oregon.

Lopez isn’t just any athlete striving to fulfill an American Dream….he has been fighting for years. At the age of six Lopez escaped his home country of Sudan, outrunning rebel leaders at a concentration camp where he had little to eat and hardly any water. Lopez never gave up. He chased his dreams of becoming an American Olympic Athlete and never lost that fire inside of him…that unexplainable running fire.

Since coming to America, Lopez has never stopped chasing his dream. Adopted by a lovely family in New York, Lopez has since received a college education, opened his own foundation for Lost Boys of Sudan, written a book and inspired countless numbers of people….including myself.

Remembering Lopez at NAU, he was always passionate, friendly, and a team leader. He was always smiling, encouraging others, and reminding us that the most powerful runner lies inside; that the athlete we wish to become is already inside of us, we just have to tap into our souls to create greatness. “Running saved my life,” he used to say. Running tells Lopez’s story; a story that he gets to experience every time he laces up his shoes to hit the trails.

With the Olympic Trails coming up this week, I am so excited to see what Lopez is going to produce on that track. I am fortunate to have Lopez as a close friend of mine, and will be reporting all of his progress, through his words here on Oregon Sports News. Keep checking back for more tracks fans! There will be plenty more about Lopez and his amazing quest for gold at the 2012 London Olympics!