Sudan-born runner to carry U.S. flag

BEIJING, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- Sudan-born Lopez Lomong, who will compete in the 1,500-meter run in the Olympics, has been selected to carry the U.S. flag during Friday's opening ceremonies.

U.S. team captains representing each Olympic sport voted and selected Lomong, who became a U.S. citizen in 2007, for the honor.

"This is the most exciting day ever in my life," said Lomong. "It's a great honor for me that my teammates chose to vote for me. The opening ceremony is the best day and the best moment of Olympic life. I'm here as an ambassador of my country and I will do everything I can to represent my country well."

Lomong finished third in the U.S. Olympic team trials to earn his spot on the squad. He won the 2007 NCAA outdoor 1,500-meter title and the 2007 NCAA indoor 3,000-meter crown while running for Northern Arizona University.

Lomong was born in Sudan and fled the country when he was 6. He lived as a refugee in Kenya for 10 years. He said he first dreamed of competing in the Olympics in 2000 when he walked 5 miles to watch the Sydney Games on a black-and-white television.