Source:

08-29-2008 19:11

Sudan rejoiced on Sunday when a Darfur native brought home the country's first-ever Olympic medal, putting a rare positive light on the wartorn region.

After nearly 50 years of Sudanese participation in the Olympics, Ismail Ahmed Ismail took the country's first medal, winning silver in the men's 800 meters.

AUGUST 23: Ismail Ahmed Ismail of Sudan celebrates after coming second in the Men's 800m Final held at the National Stadium on Day 15 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 23, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Ismail Ahmed Ismail of Sudan celebrates after coming second in the Men's 800m Final 
held at the National Stadium on Day 15 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 23,
2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Ismail cross the finish line in 1 minute, 44.70 seconds, 0.05 seconds after winner Wilfred Bungei of Kenya. He beat reigning world champion Alfred Yego of Kenya, who had to settle for bronze.

Sudan sent just nine athletes to Beijing, all but one of them in track and field events.

 

Editor:Zhang Ning