NEW AMERICAN RECORD!!

3/1/2013

American Record. I don't think words can capture all of the feelings I have right now. It is joy, fulfillment, and gratitude. I cannot believe that just 12 years ago I only dreamed of this country...
Tonight's race in Armory was one of the greatest races of my life. It was a wonderful meeting of America's greatest distance runners and an amazing opportunity to chase after the World Championship Qualifying time of 13:15. But we didn't want to just stop there. When our second rabbit dropped out at 3000m I felt great and could taste the American record so close... we were perfectly on pace. I took the lead shortly after and started driving home. Through all of the pain and the struggle around the track I knew that this was a gift I really wanted to give back to my family and the American people who have supported me through this whole journey. And there was no better place to do this than in my Home state of New York!! With 3 laps to go I had to hit 31 seconds per lap or faster to break the record and thanks to the amazing crowds and support I came through the finish at 13.06.99!! A new PR by 5 seconds and a New American Record!
I want to say thank you to all of the amazing people who made this possible. First off, thank you to my coach and teammates who have put in all this hard work with me and were incredible competitors tonight. They drove me to these great achievements. Secondly, thank you to the Armory and NYRR for supporting us to come to New York to compete at this fantastic venue. Thirdly, thank you to the fans at the Armory and around the world who cheered me the whole way and were here to witness records broken tonight! Finally, thank you to my family who made this all possible and gave me a second chance in life so that I could line up on the starting line today and chase after dreams that were never possible before 2001. This American Record is dedicated to all of you!
Now time for a little celebration and down time :)
Click to WATCH THE RACE!

20 Comments

Carol Koury Potter

3/1/2013 11:36:09 am

Congratulations to Lopez Lomong on the new American record!!! I've had the pleasure of following this young man's career since he was a Tully student and my son ran in the 800 meter races on the track with him...I say "with" because no one could really compete with him even then. And he was so friendly and nice to every one of the other racers in the field. It couldn't happen to a finer young man!

Tim Swanson link

3/1/2013 02:09:16 pm

Carol: What a super nice thing to say about Lopez! I just read his book and was so impressed with how much love God has put into his heart. So much so that it just spills out into the lives of so many around him.

Cindy Stogsdill

3/1/2013 07:38:24 pm

We, too, have watched this remarkable young man from his early days at Tully! His humility and gratitude for his life in America are as much an inspiration as is his running prowess. Congratulations, Lopez! You have made Central New York so proud! Again!! Looking forward to watching what the future holds for you.

Steve Haas

3/1/2013 11:58:14 am

Congratulations! What a great accomplishment!

Diane

3/1/2013 12:33:19 pm

So proud. I wish I could of been there. Congrats

Patrice

3/1/2013 12:38:32 pm

Exhausted beyond measure, Lopez spent his post run with "high fives" and video and microphones. His words, inspiration and presence were music to my son's ears. I think my little guy just found his role model tonight. Lopez, we were so proud of you, screaming your name as you ran by each lap. Congrats to you my friend :)

Joe Gray & kids

3/1/2013 01:05:53 pm

CONGRATS from everyone in Flagstaff!!! So proud to be Lumberjacks!!!!

Tim Swanson link

3/1/2013 02:07:19 pm

That's AWESOME!! We are really proud of you. I bet your family is wild with excitement about this!

Mary Anne Schaap

3/1/2013 02:26:51 pm

The Schaap's in Salem, OR are cheering you on! Awesome run! Awesome American Record!

Eleni

3/1/2013 07:27:30 pm

God Bless You! I use your story to inspire my students to greatness! Your sister in Christ, Agapee715

bennett

3/1/2013 10:26:24 pm

Does this mean I have to stop calling you slowpez?

Mary Haley

3/1/2013 11:37:49 pm

Congrats Lopez. You are an inspiration to us all.

Gregg link

3/2/2013 12:52:13 pm

That run was a masterpiece of pacing. Wrote more about it here:
http://t.co/AdXOYhYgCj

Joe

3/3/2013 06:25:35 pm

Truly inspirational. Not just this race, but your climb lately. Beating Centro and now this-incredible.
...A believer who never had the legs
Yours in Christ;
Joe

John

3/20/2013 10:22:42 pm

Your story has inspired me more than you can imagine. I am so happy for what you are doing both on and off the track. I'd like to see what damage you can do in the 1/2 and full marathon down the road too. You are an exemplary human being. Keep doing what you are doing.

Tanner

5/21/2013 04:12:36 am

In kakuma did any1 in your tent die, who was a close friend

Tanner

5/21/2013 06:51:51 am

sorry i was torally off topic, congrats to u Lopez

Carson link

7/17/2014 06:15:21 am

This is a really good read for me. Must agree that you are one of the coolest Article I ever saw. Thanks for posting this useful information.

Dan

4/16/2015 10:04:14 am

Congratulations Lopez. That's such a huge accomplishment...you are my role model in running and in life. I in fact met another man from Sudan who had a similar experience to you, and I am so impressed with both of your tenacity and courage, and especially the fact that you still have love to give. I hope you continue to succeed, and good luck in Rio next year (I'm assuming you plan to go).

Tabitha

6/20/2017 05:11:15 pm

I really loved your book and love you. When I grow up I want to be fast and be in the olympics just like you. You are one of my many heroes. I will never forget you. Don't give up and keep striving my coach told me and I will because of you. Thx.

NEW AMERICAN RECORD!!

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