ABOUT THE WORK
After losing his parents at just nine years old, Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu left his home of South Sudan away from political unrest in search of a better life for him and his four sisters. After settling in Kenya, the home of some of the world’s greatest record holders, Dominic began running at 15, sure that competing in the sport was his best chance to forge a new life. A naturally dedicated and talented runner, Dominic managed to qualify for the Athlete Refugee Team. As part of the team he was given the opportunity to train and represent refugees at races around the world. One race ultimately led him to Geneva, Switzerland, where he decided to seek asylum. The short film “Right to Race” follows Dominic on his inspiring journey from arriving in Switzerland to meeting his coach and friend Markus Hagmann. Together, they worked tirelessly to get Dominic to the Olympic Games. This included much more than constant training, though, as his refugee status left Dominic without a country to run for.
On June 30, an unknown runner flew across the finish line at the 2022 Diamond League competition. Shaving 20 seconds off his PB, he conquered the men’s 3,000m race in the fastest time recorded that year and won his first-ever international race. Now based in Switzerland, Dominic is training for the Olympics Games. But with no national identity and no flag to wave, the path to the podium isn’t simple. Here, we follow his story as he fights for his Right to Race.
IDIDTHAT MEMBER CREDITS
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