Intro:

Marathon runner Guor Marial arrived at Heathrow Airport for the London 2012 Olympics and will contest the Summer Games as a 'runner without a country'.

Script:

Marathon runner Guor Marial arrived at Heathrow airport for the Olympic Games with some story to tell.

Having escaped child slavery at a labour camp in Sudan, as a refugee in the United States he does not qualify to compete as he is not a citizen, and Marial doesn't want to participate for Sudan given his traumatic time spent there.

His native South Sudan - the world's newest country - doesn't have an Olympic team.

He learned just weeks ago that he'd be able to compete, running under the Olympic flag.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Guor Marial:

"I am very excited because you have to represent a different country in a different continent. The supporters support in the US and from South Sudan and all the fans all over the world. I came here because all the world came here to support me to be able to come here - so just to perform for everyone."

Running from a distressing childhood, to becoming an Olympic runner, Marial says he's been overwhelmed with the response to his story.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Guor Marial:

"You know it's unusual to me, so it is something new. It's great to see so many people out here being moved by my story and my case - so there is a lot of support, so it shows a lot of support here."

The men's marathon takes place on Sunday 12th August.