Guor Marial's feet pound American pavement.
But it's South Sudan the marathoner will be representing in his heart.
A refugee of civil war, Marial received last-minute permission to compete as an independent athlete because newly independent South Sudan does not yet have an Olympic committee.
Sudan offered him a spot on its team, but Marial, who lost 28 members of his family in the war, refused.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) GUOR MARIAL, SOUTH SUDANESE MARATHONER, SAYING:
"It's very emotional and it raises high hopes for the young kids especially. It means a lot, and for me it mean a lot to glorify the people who died for their freedom."
His strategy: have fun.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) GUOR MARIAL, SOUTH SUDANESE MARATHONER, SAYING:
The marathon is a fun race. You just go out there and just enjoy it
Marial fled Sudan at age 14 and later became a top runner in the U.S.
He'll run on the final day of the games under the Olympic flag.
Lindsey Parietti, Reuters
