Elite Middle- & Long-Distance Runner; European 10,000-Meter Champion; First Refugee to Win Gold at European Athletics Championship; Subject of "To Chase a Dream"
Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu Biography
Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu is a South Sudanese-born middle- and long-distance runner who has competed internationally for Switzerland, specializing in the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters events. Lobalu became the first refugee to win gold at a European Athletics Championship, marking a significant milestone in international track and field.
Born in South Sudan, Lobalu lost both parents during an attack on his village and fled to Kenya at age 9, where he found refuge in the Kakuma Refugee Camp. He later joined the IOC Refugee Athletes Support Programme. At 15, Lobalu was invited by Kenyan long-distance runner Tegla Loroupe to join the Athlete Refugee Team. He competed for the team in the 1,500 meters at the World Championships in Athletics. His participation in the Harmony Geneva Marathon led him to seek asylum in Switzerland.
After competing with the Olympic Refugee Team, Lobalu's asylum status in Switzerland initially prevented him from representing either the Refugee Team or Switzerland in international competitions. At 21, he began working with Swiss running coach Markus Hagmann, who played a key role in his development as a competitive athlete. Lobalu achieved a breakthrough with a 3,000-meter victory at the Stockholm Diamond League, recording a time of 7:29.48. He continued to excel in the 5,000 meters, winning a Diamond League event while still ineligible for major championships.
Lobalu secured gold in the 10,000 meters and bronze in the 5,000 meters at the European Athletics Championships in Rome, becoming the first refugee-origin athlete to medal at a major senior international championship outside the Olympic refugee framework. He claimed the 10,000-meter European Champion title on his first attempt. Lobalu later competed at the Paris Olympic Games as part of the Refugee Olympic Team, reaching the 5,000-meter final and finishing fourth. He also earned a silver medal in the 10,000 meters at the European Championships in Birmingham.
Lobalu's journey has been documented in the short film "To Chase a Dream," part of the "Dream Together" series, and in the feature film "The Right to Race," which chronicle his progression from refugee to champion. Lobalu has spoken about using his experiences to inspire others, emphasizing resilience, identity, and the capacity to overcome adversity in the world of athletics.
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What topics does Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu speak about?
Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Athlete, Government, Immigration, Inspirational, Olympic Athlete, Overcoming Adversity, Running, Sports Motivation -
Where does Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu travel from?
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Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu for your event is available upon request. Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu generally travels from Switzerland and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Molly Seidel, Mo Farah, Emma Coburn, Blake Leeper and Derek Redmond. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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