South Sudan refugee to compete at Olympics 'without flag'

25 Jul 2012, 2:45 pm   -   Source: Katrina Yu, SBS
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Guor Marial, a refugee from the South Sudan, will be the first athlete to represent his country in London 2012, but he won't be running under his nation's flag.

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Guor Marial, a refugee from the South Sudan, will be the first athlete to represent his country in London 2012, but he won't be running under his nation's flag.

Whether they win gold, silver or bronze, or even come last, every athlete at the Olympics takes pride in representing their country.

But not every athlete competes under their national flags.

South Sudanese refugee Guor Marial is one of a handful who will compete in London as an independent athlete.

He might not be representing South Sudan officially, but he says he'll be running for them in spirit.

"It's very emotional and it raises high hopes for the young kids especially. It means a lot to glorify the people who died for their freedom and people who lost their lives, including the 28 of my family and relatives... their spirit is what allows me to get up every single day and put on my shoes and train to honour them," said Marial.

A US resident for 11 years, Marial wasn't able to join the American team as he's not yet a citizen. He declined an invitation to join Sudan's team and will instead run under the Olympic flag.

Olympics 2012

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Your Comments

Independent Olympian's

Maria Altmann - from ACT, 10 months ago

Thank You SBS. Always; be it the story tonight on poor in Hong Kong or the joy of knowing there are some Independent Olympian's at least.... getting a CHANCE. So many people are we... so many stories. The depth is daunting.

Mr

Santo Tom - from Melbourne, North Melbourne, 10 months ago

It is a great spirit that shown by Guor Marial. Today or next year the flag of the republic of South Sudan will be raised up.

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