The Kenyan-born Israeli runner, Lonah Chemtai Salpeter was chosen to be Israel’s female flag bearer at the upcoming Paris Olympics opening ceremony on July 26, according to Israel’s Ynet news. She is reportedly scheduled to hold the Israeli flag along with Ukrainian-born Israeli shooter Sergey Richter, a top candidate for male flag bearer.
Salpeter (35), who was born in a tiny village in the African nation, is considered to be one of the world’s best long-distance runners and one of Israel’s leading medal candidates.
As a child, she grew up without running water and used to run 16 km (10 miles) round trip between her home and the school.
Salpeter, who was not born Jewish, arrived in Israel in 2008 when she worked as a nanny for the children of the Kenyan ambassador. By chance, she met the Israeli running coach Dan Salpeter who spotted her talent, and he later became her husband.
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