News Notes: Lomong Inadvertently Plugs McDonald’s
Lopez Lomong’s story of being one of Sudan’s “lost boys,” as a refugee for 10 years in a squalid Kenyan camp and as the U.S. flagbearer in today’s opening ceremony is the stuff of movies.
But during his jam-packed news conference Friday morning at the Main Press Center, the 1,500-meter runner also delivered an inadvertent but powerful plug for TOP sponsor McDonald’s.
And USOC Chief Communications Officer Darryl Seibel, who can be proper but who is blessed with a solid sense of humor, didn’t miss a beat.
Lomong told his long and painful story to the assembled media. Some of it centered on the lack of food or the unhealthy nature of food as he grew up. Then, Lomong fondly described his first meal in the United States with his new parents, Robert and Barbara Rogers of Tully, N.Y., upon his arrival.
“After they picked me up at the airport, they took me to the McDonald’s,” Lomong said.
A few journalists chuckled.
“That was not set up,” Seibel said with a Jack Benny straight face.
More laughter.
“It was the best restaurant I’d ever been to,” Lomong said.
Even more laughter.
“That was set up,” Seibel said.
The crowd roared loudly.
Besides the McDonald’s mention, there was good Swoosh placement for Nike. Lomong wore his Team USA warm-up, with its unmistakable logo.
Lopez Parents Wined And Dined In Beijing
Last week in SportsBusiness Journal’s Olympic preview edition, we talked about the marketability of the Lopez family, the three siblings who have all made the U.S. Olympic taekwondo team — Steve, Diana and Mark. Brother Jean is the U.S. coach.
But now corporate sponsors are taking care of the Lopez parents, Julio and Ondina, of Sugarloaf, Texas.
Hilton, a USOC sponsor, who is backing all three competing Lopezes, has provided airfare and hotel for the Lopez parents. Visa, who has backed Steven Lopez for nearly four years and has his image on some debit cards, provided coveted opening ceremony tickets to the parents.
The Lopez parents also have been invited to meet the first President Bush — George Herbert Walker Bush — at a Bank of America reception this week. For Mrs. Lopez, it’s her first Olympics, even though it’s the third for two-time gold-medal-winning son Steven.
Chicago Mayor Checks Out Olympic Digs
Chicago Mayor Richard Daley toured the Olympic Village today, led by U.S. beach volleyball player Kerri Walsh. The tour was an opportunity for Daley to see what could be in store for Chicago in 2016, should the city win its bid to host the Summer Games.
"The venues I have seen in Beijing are truly phenomenal, and the Olympic Village is no exception," Daley said. "The Beijing Olympic Committee has done a terrific job of making sure every aspect has been addressed regarding the comfort and care of the athletes during their stay in Beijing."
No Crossbows Or Daggers, Please!
When a journalist enters a venue here, he or she is faced with a daunting sign and a list of what can’t be brought into the facility. Some prohibited objects are common the world over, such as a sharp flagpole or knives.
But in China, apparently crossbows and daggers are also against the rules for being packed in media luggage, as are radioactive substances.
