About Chris: Chris Boyles is an elite decathlete and member of Team Darfur.  Chris was planning to go to Beijing to serve as "media" guy for Dr. Draeger’s a prominent doctor for decathletes (www.goldmedalmotion.com [1]) and to support friend and 3x Olympic decathlete Tom Pappas (www.decatom.com [2]). On July 24, he was granted a Visa to go to China. On the 28th, he received a phone call telling him that his Visa was no longer valid. He was told that he had to resubmit his Visa application. He was denied and instructed to drive to the Chinese Consulate in DC. He had to fly in from Kansas (was at a track & field competition). Once there, he was told that they couldn't even accept the form because he had been previously denied. Chris has done a number of interviews since his visa revocation, and has seized his new opportunity to speakup about the plight of the people of Darfur. 

 I wanted to take a moment to humbly thank the American public, members of congress and others who have been involved for their outpouring of support and petition for change in Darfur.  When I initially joined Team Darfur a few months ago, I had a general idea of the situation.  It wasn't until recently, however, when began to read and educate myself on the situation and see the complete destruction and gruesome acts against human beings that are taking place and being overlooked by much of the world.  This awareness needs to continue to be addressed.
While I am saddened that i will not be able to be a part of the Olympic Games and cheer on my friends in person, I am confident that my voice here will resonate even louder than it would have in the Olympic Stadium.  

Thank you again for your support and I ask that you would continue to support those 70+ athletes currently in China who have taken a stand for the protection of human rights and the hope of a world of peace.