Guor Marial has what it takes to be an Olympian. He's ran 2:12:55 for the marathon (San Diego RnR Marathon in June) and his native country of Sudan has invited him to be a part of their Olympic team. There's one problem, however. Marial is from South Sudan, the world's newest country, and the result of a two decade long civil war. For Marial, representing Sudan would be representing the country that tore his family apart.

Marial, an Iowa State graduate, is 28 years old and has been a permanent resident of the United States since age 16. Marial was forced to leave his family in Sudan at the age of 14, and since then 28 of his relatives have died in the tumultuous civil war.

Now, not wanting to represent the country that uprooted him and destroyed his family, Marial has petitioned to go to the Olympics independently, as the fledgling nation of South Sudan has yet to establish an Olympic Committee.

"In my situation, the consequences of me representing Sudan are bigger than me going to the Olympics," he said in an interview on Tuesday.

"At this level, as an athlete, I don't just represent my family, but the whole of South Sudan. It's a very heavy responsibility to carry. It's very important for me to make the right decision," he added.

A few times throughout history the Olympics have been politically charged. Most notably the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, the would-be Olympics of the World War II era, and the boycotts of the 1980 and 1984 games. The decision regarding the south Sudan native could very well find its name among this list.

The International Olympic Committee now has an opportunity to make a statement.  Letting Marial run independently of any national affiliation would be unprecedented, but would also bring to light on a global scale the injustices and tragedies befalling that region of Africa.  Additionally -and perhaps more relevant to the original intent of the Games- it would afford a deserving athlete the opportunity to realize his Olympic dreams, while representing his newfound nation in a way much more meaningful than can be conveyed by any flag or racing kit.

Article: South Sudan runner bids for independent place (Courtesy of Rueters.com)