The Japanese city that's rooting for South Sudan at the Olympics
They may not be competing for Olympic gold, but four South Sudanese athletes have become local stars in the little Japanese city of Maebashi. In Japan, they've found a safe haven to train, immerse themselves in the local culture, and promote the message of peace for South Sudan.
Posted: May 13, 2021 1:50 AM
Updated: May 13, 2021 1:50 AM
Posted By: By Emiko Jozuka, Blake Essig, Junko Ogura and Daniel Campisi, CNN
The first time Abraham Majok Matet Guem competed in a track race, he ran in his black school shoes.
Guem -- now a 21-year-old Olympian representing South Sudan -- was so fast he quickly caught the eye of a coach, who bought him proper running shoes and sportswear.