Leonel Manzano facts for kids
Manzano at the 2014 DécaNation
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| Nationality | Mexican and American | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | September 12, 1984 Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Mexico |
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| Residence | Austin, Texas, United States | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 m) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 125 pounds (57 kg) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Sport | Track | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| College team | University of Texas Austin | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Achievements and titles | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal best(s) | 800 meters: 1:44.56 1500 meters: 3:30.98 Mile: 3:50.64 |
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Medal record
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Leonel "Leo" Manzano, born on September 12, 1984, is a retired Mexican-American track and field athlete. He was known for running middle-distance races like the 1500 meters and the mile. Leo won a silver medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics. He was famous for his powerful "finishing kick" at the end of his races.
Contents
Leo Manzano's Running Journey
Early Life and High School Years
Leo Manzano was born in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Mexico. When he was four years old, his family moved to Texas in the United States. He grew up in Granite Shoals, Texas.
Leo was a star athlete at Marble Falls High School. He won an amazing nine state championships in track and cross country. During his high school years, he set impressive personal bests:
- 1:50.48 in the 800 meters
- 4:06.29 in the 1600 meters
- 9:07.18 in the 3200 meters
College Running Career
Leo's talent quickly caught the eye of college coaches. He joined the track and field team at the University of Texas. While there, he achieved incredible success.
He won five NCAA National Championship titles. He was also named an All-American nine times. Leo still holds four school records, including the indoor mile (3:58.78) and the 1,500 meters (3:35.29). In his final year, he was named the Men's Track Athlete of the Year by the US Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. He is the first athlete from the University of Texas to make the U.S. Olympic team for the 1,500 meters.
Professional Running Career
Just three weeks after his last college race, Leo Manzano qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He finished second at the 2008 United States Olympic Trials. At the Olympics in Beijing, he competed in the semi-finals.
2009: A Big Year
In 2009, Leo had a fantastic year on the international stage. He reached the final of the 1500 meters at the World Championships. He also won races at the Reebok Grand Prix in New York and the British Grand Prix. He placed second in several other major events.
2010: Setting New Records
In 2010, Leo competed in the IAAF Diamond League meets. He set new personal bests in three different races within just three weeks:
- Mile: 3:50.64
- 800 meters: 1:44.56
- 1500 meters: 3:32.37
He was chosen to represent the Americas at the 2010 IAAF Continental Cup. There, he earned a bronze medal in the 1500 meters.
2011: Overcoming Challenges
Leo faced some injuries in 2011, which made the international season a bit tougher for him. However, he finished the year strong. He won the Emsley Carr Mile race against many top runners.
2012: Olympic Silver Medalist
In 2012, Leo Manzano returned to his best form. He won the 1500 meters titles at both the USA Indoor Track and Field Championships and the 2012 United States Olympic Trials. This qualified him for the 2012 Summer Olympics. Throughout his career, Leo represented the United States on six world championship teams, including two Olympic teams (2008 and 2012).
At the 1500 meters final at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Leo Manzano used his famous finishing kick. He surged forward to win the silver medal! This was a huge moment. Leo became the first American to win a medal in the 1500 meters since Jim Ryun won silver in 1968. He ended a 44-year wait for a U.S. men's middle-distance medal.
2014: More Victories
Leonel Manzano won another 1500 meters title in 3:38.63 at the 2014 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Sacramento, California. On July 18, he ran a personal best of 3:30.98. He finished 8th at the Diamond League Herculis meet in Monaco. His time was the fastest ever for an 8th-place finish in any race.
2015: World Championships
In 2015, Leonel Manzano placed 3rd in the 1500 meters at the 2015 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. He then finished 10th at the 2015 World Championships in Athletics – Men's 1500 metres.
2016: Final Olympic Trials
Leonel Manzano placed 4th in the 1500 meters at the 2016 United States Olympic Trials (track and field). He also became a spokesperson for Coca-Cola.
2019: Retirement
On July 28, 2019, Leo Manzano announced his retirement from running. He mentioned a calf injury he had in February and his wish to spend more time with his family.
See also
In Spanish: Leonel Manzano para niños
