Cambodian Refugee Competes For Australia In India

Oct 1, 2010
DENNIS PASSA, AP Sports Writer

NEW DELHI (AP) ― The son of a refugee Cambodian family which lived through the ravages of the Pol Pot regime will compete in weightlifting for Australia at the Commonwealth Games.

Vannara Be, who came to Australia in 1998 as a 10-year-old child, will compete in the 62-kilogram division when the weightlifting competition begins Monday.

The 22-year-old Be, who considers himself a longshot for a medal, became an Australian citizen last November when the government fast-tracked his citizenship so he could compete in New Delhi.

"It's a dream come true," Be said Friday at the athletes' village. "You never expected to be in a country like Australia, and now to represent them is quite amazing."
Please click here to read more...