In a tale that evokes the indomitable spirit of human perseverance, Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu, a once-war-stricken orphan from South Sudan, has emerged as a remarkable figure in the world of athletics.
Abandoned by his parents and forced to seek refuge in a camp in Northern Kenya, the young Dominic was eventually discovered on the bustling streets of Nairobi.
His extraordinary journey led him to find solace and a sense of belonging within the folds of the Athlete Refugee Team, a home that would shape his destiny.
And now, in an eagerly anticipated cinematic spectacle that sets the stage for this year’s World Athletics Championships, Dominic’s awe-inspiring narrative of personal growth, valour, and unyielding determination is unveiled in a full-length feature film.
“The Right to Race,” a masterful documentary produced in collaboration with Hungry Man Productions and brought to you by the esteemed Swiss sportswear company, On, stands as a testament to Dominic’s awe-inspiring odyssey.
Written and directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Richard Bullock, the film takes audiences on a visual journey, enriched by a wealth of archival footage spanning as far back as 2017.
It traces Dominic’s footsteps from his humble beginnings in Nairobi to his subsequent sojourns in London, Copenhagen, Monaco, and Brussels, a life that encompasses diverse cultures and lands.
Dominic’s ascent to prominence commenced in 2017, at the tender age of 19, when he was discovered and recruited by the celebrated Olympian, founder, and coach of the Athlete Refugee Team, Tegla Loroupe.
However, a twist of fate saw Dominic depart from the team without notice while on an overseas trip to Geneva for an international competition.
Seeking asylum in Switzerland, he unwittingly relinquished his chance to represent the official Olympic Refugee Team at the grand stage in Tokyo.
Nonetheless, destiny intervened once more when, at the age of 21, Dominic fortuitously encountered Markus Hagmann, a mentor and coach whose profound influence would shape the young African runner’s mental and physical fortitude as a formidable athlete.
Dominic’s breakthrough arrived in the form of a resounding victory at the Diamond League 3000m in Stockholm in 2022, his inaugural Diamond League event.
It marked the inception of his voyage as a world-class competitor, pitting his mettle against the crème de la crème of the athletics realm.
At 24 years old, Dominic currently finds himself excluded from official Refugee teams, with up to a decade before he can secure citizenship and represent his own nation.
“The Right to Race” weaves a tapestry of gripping fortitude and unshakeable charisma that encapsulates the enduring essence of the human spirit,” declares Feliciano Robayna, the film’s Executive Producer and Global Head of Sports Marketing at On.
“We have closely followed Dominic’s trajectory from his humble beginnings to his newfound home and life as a prominent athlete in Switzerland.
Despite numerous setbacks, he has matured into one of today’s most respected contenders on the global stage. His narrative transcends mere competition and achievement, encompassing themes of representation and belonging.
Undoubtedly, his dreams will come to fruition, thanks to his unwavering self-belief and the unwavering support of those around him.”
The heart of the film revolves around the extraordinary bond forged between Dominic and his coach in Switzerland, Markus Hagmann, united by their shared love for the sport of running.
The struggle to gain recognition from World Athletics as an international contender, representing his native country, takes centre stage as negotiations with the governing body of the sport unfold.
“The Right to Race” emerges as a profound exploration of the trials and tribulations faced by a refugee athlete,” elucidates Richard Bullock, the visionary filmmaker behind this compelling tale. “It is also a touching testament to the power of an enduring friendship, one that never wavers in the face of adversity.
Additionally, we are privileged to delve into the innermost thoughts and sentiments of those who represent World Athletics, offering a striking juxtaposition to their perspective on the plight of Dominic—a refugee who endeavours to establish his identity, not merely as an athlete, but as a human being.”
Richard Bullock, a partner at Hungry Man Productions and an award-winning filmmaker, has collaborated with On on several highly regarded short films, including “RUN: The Athlete Refugee Team Story” and the critically acclaimed animated production “Black Ice.”
“The Right to Race” will be broadcast across 53 countries on Eurosport 1, during prime time on World Refugee Day, June 20th.
The film will also grace the screens during significant sporting events, such as the World Athletics Championships 2023, while simultaneously being made available on the Discovery+ streaming platform, ensuring viewers throughout Europe can immerse themselves in Dominic’s extraordinary narrative.
Presented by On and Hungry Man Productions, “The Right to Race” can now be experienced in all its splendour at http://righttorace.com.