Book Review: Lopez Lomong's Running For My Life

An amazing story of the grace of God and of personal courage, United States Olympian Lopez Lomong shares his story in his new book, Running for My Life.

Once in a great while I read a book that is so interesting that I read it through very quickly. With Running for My Life, that was the case. Whereas I thought I would enjoy reading about Lomong's Olympic experience, I found myself captivated by the details of his capture by, and escape from, Sudanese rebels; his experiences in the refugee camp; his flight to the United States (not eating in-flight meals because he knew he had no money); to his assimilation in the Syracuse, NY area after being adopted by loving parents and how they learned Lomong was a runner.

But the story doesn't end there. And not at the 2008 Beijing Olympics either where Lomong served as the flag-bearer for the delegation from the United States. Lomong has graduated from college, revisited his homeland and been reunited with his family in Sudan and has brought his brothers to the United States following their own adoption. He's even started a foundation, 4SouthSudan, to benefit his native homeland.

Having young sons myself who are about the age Lomong was when he was abducted as well as having a good friend who last year adopted two sons from Ethiopia, this book was especially powerful. This is much more than a story about an Olympic track and field athlete.

I highly recommend Running for My Life and I'll be rooting for Lopez Lomong in the Summer Olympics in London.