Former Slave To Represent South Sudan in Men’s Marathon in Rio

Guor Marial also became South Sudan’s first flag bearer at an Olympics in Rio 2016.

South Sudanese Olympic athlete Guor Marial may not be a hot medal contender for Sunday’s marathon, but the former slave’s road to Rio is one of the most astonishing stories of the games. Yes, you read it right! Marial was a slave and he will be representing his country at Rio Olympics.

As a teenager, Marial was forced to run for his life during Sudan’s long civil war in which he lost 28 members of his family, was kidnapped twice and ended up in servitude.

Forced to Run From Country, Now Runs For Country

When he fled Sudan he never wanted to run again because of the traumatic memories, but after arriving in the United States as a refugee his talent was quickly spotted by his teachers.

Marial made history when he became the flag-bearer for South Sudan’s first ever Olympic team, leading his compatriots Margret Hassan and Santino Kenyi into Rio’s Maracana stadium during the opening ceremony.

Rio is Marial’s second Olympics, but it is the first in which he can wear his national colours.

In London four years ago he had to compete as an independent under the Olympic flag because South Sudan — which had only gained independence the year before — was unable to send a team.

I will be wearing the Olympic uniform, but inside I will be holding the South Sudan flag in my heart.

Guor Marial during London Olympics

In a recent interview, he described his excitement at finally being able to run for his country.

To stand on the start line wearing a South Sudan vest would be amazing. A lot of people lost their lives for the freedom of the country we have now. That’s what I run for and that’s the reason I want to go and represent the flag.

Guor Marial, Marathon Runner, South Sudan

Almost Missed the Ticket to Rio

In the lead-up to London, Olympic chiefs suggested Marial run for Sudan but he refused, saying it would be a betrayal of his country, his family and everyone who fought for independence.

After the London games Marial returned to his parents’ home in Unity State where they were reunited after two decades apart.

It was overwhelmingly emotional. My mum almost walked past me because she didn’t know who I was. Someone shouted and that’s when she saw me and collapsed out of shock. I knelt down, hugged her and lifted her up. She kept tapping me and saying, ‘Is it you, is it you?’.

Guor Marial, Marathon Runner, South Sudan

Although Marial has a personal best time just shy of two hours 13 minutes, he almost never made Rio.

In the Ottawa marathon in May a motorbike he was following on the 26.2-mile (42.2 km) course took a wrong turn, meaning he ran extra miles, missing the qualifying time for Rio.

The chemistry graduate, also known as Guor Mading Maker, tried again to qualify at Australia’s Gold Coast marathon in early July but collapsed before finishing.

Marial’s Olympic dreams appeared over, but world athletics chiefs stepped in at the last minute to secure him a spot in Sunday’s race which sets off from Rio’s carnival parade ground.