[5] Maker left home at the age of seven to live with his uncle in northern Sudan.

[6] While 28 members of his family were killed during the conflict,[6] he was able to escape to Egypt, and then permanently to the United States.

[9] He began participating in track and field while attending high school in Concord, New Hampshire,[10] after being encouraged by his gym teacher.

[6] His case was called "unique" by the IOC,[11] as prior to the games, South Sudan had yet to form a National Olympic Committee and seek full recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which would have allowed them to send a team and compete under the flag of South Sudan.

Marial holds permanent resident status in the United States, but not citizenship.

"[9] The IOC-executive board announced its decision on 20 July to allow Marial to participate as an Independent Olympic Athlete.

[14] However, his travel documentation did not reach him in time, and so he could not march in the opening ceremony on 27 July.

[19] He was selected for the United States Air Force World Class Athlete Program.