Tully (WSYR-TV) - Lopez Lomong’s hometown is pulling together plans for a community viewing of this Saturday’s 5,000-meter men’s Olympic track race.
Tully will be rooting for their hometown hero and Lost Boy of Sudan
who qualified on Wednesday for the finals.
The London Olympics are Lomong’s second trip with the US team.
“I can tell you what’s in his mind is, 'I’m here today to repay the United State of America for taking me from nothing and giving me a life,'” said his father, Rob Rogers.
Whether here in the US or in London, Tully is proud to have been Lomong’s gateway.
"You're on the edge of your seat, saying okay, don't get boxed in on that lane, get out to the outside lane, get around him and he did all that like he had it planned,” said Jim Paccia, Lomong’s high school coach.
"As much as it frightens us he did not run this race to win it. He said all along he was going to run to qualify for the US team, he was going to qualify for the finals, the day of the big race when he'll have it or not and he's going to put it on the line that day,” Rogers said.
Rogers believes Lomong will earn a medal on Saturday, but he acknowledged that the competition will be very fierce.
The community viewing party will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Tully High School.
