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 famous Mexican-American former middle-distance track and field athlete. He was known for running races like the 1500 meters and the mile. Leo won a silver medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics. He was famous for his strong "finishing kick," which meant he ran very fast at the end of his races.
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Leonel Manzano's Running Journey
Leo Manzano's journey in track and field is truly inspiring. He started running at a young age and became one of the best middle-distance runners in the United States.
Early Life and High School Success
Leo 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.
At Marble Falls High School, Leo was an amazing athlete. He won nine state championships in track and cross country. This showed everyone how talented he was from a young age.
College Achievements at University of Texas
Leo's talent earned him a spot on the track and field team at the University of Texas. He quickly became a star there. He won five NCAA National Championship titles. He was also named an All-American nine times.
Leo still holds four school records at the University of Texas. These include the indoor mile (3:58.78) and the 1,500 meter (3:35.29). In his senior year, he was named the Men's Track Athlete of the Year. He is the first athlete from the University of Texas to join the U.S. Olympic team for the 1,500 meters.
Professional Running Career
After college, Leo continued his impressive running career. Just three weeks after his last college race, he qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He finished second at the U.S. Olympic Trials.
Breakthrough Years: 2009-2011
In 2009, Leo had a great 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 and British Grand Prix.
In 2010, Leo set new personal bests in several races. He ran the mile in 3:50.64 and the 800 meters in 1:44.56. He also earned a bronze medal in the 1500 meters at the 2010 IAAF Continental Cup.
The year 2011 brought some challenges due to injuries. However, Leo still managed to win the Emsley Carr Mile race. This showed his determination and strength.
Olympic Glory: 2012
In 2012, Leo Manzano returned to his top form. He won the 1500 meters at the USA Indoor Championships. He also won the 1500 meters at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials. This qualified him for his second Olympic Games.
At the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Leo made history. In the 1500 meter final, he used his famous finishing kick. He surged forward to win the silver medal! This was a huge moment for U.S. middle-distance running. He was the first American to win a medal in the 1500 meters since 1968.
Continued Success: 2014-2016
In 2014, Leonel Manzano won another 1500 meter title. This was at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Sacramento, California. He also ran his personal best time of 3:30.98 in the 1500 meters at a Diamond League event in Monaco.
In 2015, he placed third at the 1500 meters at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. He also competed in the 2015 World Championships in Athletics – Men's 1500 metres.
In 2016, Leo finished fourth in the 1500 meters at the 2016 United States Olympic Trials (track and field). He was also a spokesperson for Coca-Cola.
Retirement
On July 28, 2019, Leo Manzano announced his retirement from running. He mentioned a calf injury and wanting to spend more time with his family. His career was filled with amazing achievements and inspired many young athletes.
See also
In Spanish: Leonel Manzano para niños
