Leo Manzano

Birthday: 09/12/84 Mile PR: 3:50.64 - 2010
Metric Mile (1500m) PR: 3:30.98 - 2014
High School: Marble Falls HS '04
Hometown: Granite Shoals, TX (born in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Mexico)
College: University of Texas '08
Current Residence: Austin, TX

Personal Website: www.leomanzano.com

Leo Manzano finished runner-up in the 2018 Adrian Martinez Classic Mile, running 3:57.35; his first sub-4 since July 2015. Leo retired as a pro athlete in July 2019 and has registered as an athlete agent / manager.

In 2014, Manzano won the USA 1 Mile road title at the Grand Blue Mile (4:05.71). He continued his successes winning the USA 1500m outdoor crown with another impressive final kick, clocking 3:38.63 in Sacramento.

At the 2012 London Olympic Games, Leo earned a 1500 meter silver medal (3:34.79); the first American to do so since Jim Ryun's silver in Mexico City 1968. He won his first USA Outdoor 1500 meter title at the 2012 Olympic Trials, earning his second berth on a U.S. Olympic team. He was also the 2012 USA Indoor 1500m champion with a blazing finish.

A 2008 Olympian at 1500 meters, coming off of a runner-up finish at the U.S. Olympic Trials, Manzano also has a trio of USA runner-up finishes at 1500 meters, in 2007, 2009 and 2010.

At the University of Texas, Manzano was a nine-time NCAA All-American earning the NCAA Outdoor 1500 meters title in 2005 (freshman year) and 2008 as well as a pair of Indoor Mile titles in 2005 and 2007.

FUN FACT: In 2012, Leo set the Texas state outdoor track record with his 3:55.98 winning performance at his namesake event, the Manzano Mile. As part of Austin Marathon weekend, he now hosts the Manzano Mile, a road event.

FUN FACT II: For ten straight years (2006-15), Manzano impressively finished in the top 3 at USA Outdoor 1500m Championship races. #MrConsistency!

@LeoManzano

News

Dole Packaged Foods returns as presenting sponsor of Manzano Mile

January 17, 2020

Third edition offers $2600 prize purse and welcomes elites, kids, families, all ages and first-timers to run the iconic distance

AUSTIN, Texas -- The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon presented by Under Armour welcomes the return of Dole Packaged Foods as presenting sponsor. The Manzano Mile...

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My First Sub-4

December 26, 2019

The Mile tests our wills, our strengths, our weaknesses and our inner selves to see how much we really want it.

Leo Manzano won the silver medal in the 1500 meters at the 2012 London Olympics, running 3:34.79. He was the first U.S. athlete to medal in the 1500m since Jim Ryun won silver at the...

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London Olympic Silver Medalist Leo Manzano Retires

July 28, 2019

“Leo solidified in London that Americans should be getting medals at World and Olympic Games. He proved that.”

By Chris Chavez, Sports Illustrated

During the bell lap of nearly all U.S. Outdoor Track & Field Championship 1500 meter final since 2007, fans eyes had to stay peeled to the 5’5”,...

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Manzano Mile Returns for Austin Marathon Race Weekend

July 30, 2018

Second edition presented by Dole celebrates Milers of all speeds & abilities, from elites to children; $6000 prize purse available

From High Five Events

The Manzano Mile presented by DOLE® will take place on Saturday, February 16th, during 2019 Austin Marathon weekend. Dole Packaged Foods’...

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Top Fields Set for 2018 USATF 1 Mile Road Championships at Grand Blue Mile

April 12, 2018

Katie Mackey to defend women’s national title; $25,000 guaranteed national championship purse with $5000 for each national champion; also the Bring Back the Mile Grand Prix #Tour2018 season opener

From Grand Blue Mile

DES MOINES, Iowa - Grand Blue Mile race officials have announced the fields...

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Breaking the 4 Minute Mile in Santa Barbara

April 11, 2018

Led by 2012 Olympic 1500m silver medalist Leo Manzano and Kyle Merber, six runners boast sub-4 Mile credentials in quest to break 4 minutes on the track for the first time in the city

By John Zant, Santa Barbara Independent

Man’s first conquest of the 4 minute Mile barrier will soon be 64...

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Making the Most of Your Mile: Manzano Mile

January 26, 2018

BBTM Featured Event, Manzano Mile presented by Dole, is Saturday, February 17 as part of the Austin Marathon weekend of events

By Bring Back the Mile

We sat down with Leo "The Lion" Manzano, a HOKA ONE ONE sponsored athlete, two-time Olympian and 2012 Olympic 1500m silver medalist along with...

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Manzano Mile Welcomes Dole as Presenting Sponsor

January 15, 2018

The Austin Marathon Manzano Mile presented by Dole to offer $6000 elite field prize purse

AUSTIN, Texas – High Five Events, one of the largest privately owned event production companies in the United States, introduces Dole Packaged Foods LLC as presenting sponsor for the 2018 Manzano Mile, set...

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Austin Marathon 2018 Weekend Adds Manzano Mile

December 01, 2017

Namesake Leo Manzano, Olympic silver medalist and 2018 Austin Marathon Race Ambassador, to host road race event

AUSTIN, Texas - High Five Events, one of the largest privately owned event production companies in the United States, introduces the Manzano Mile, set to take place on Saturday,...

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Olympic silver medalist Leonel Manzano inspires McFarland USA youth

October 05, 2017

“Anytime I talk to people, I say, ‘Follow your passion, and do what you like to do,’ because you really don’t know where it can take you.”

By Daniel Casarez, Vida en el valle

Leonel Manzano’s humble beginnings as a Olympic runner began in his native Guanajuato, where, as a youngster, he often...

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Q&A: Leo Manzano

February 03, 2017

I think when it comes down to it, I just love to compete. And there’s something about championship-style races. There’s also something to be said about when it’s time to line up... I think that that’s what takes me to the next level.

By Jonathan Gault, LetsRun.com

2016 was a rough year for ...

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The Leo Manzano Interview: London 2012, Centro, Webb and more

December 23, 2016

I want to motivate others to believe in themselves, and that was one of the key things I could do with that medal.

By RunnersTribe.com

Why do you run?

Leo Manzano: The first thing that comes to mind is that I love it but it goes deeper than that. I run for myself and for my family. However,...

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2012 Olympic Silver Medalist Leo Manzano to Headline Aetna Falmouth Elite Mile

August 12, 2016

Mackey to chase three-peat against deep women’s field including Kampf, Uceny and Sifuentes; top men also include rising stars Merber, Gregorek, Alexander and Hunter for Saturday, August 20 race

From New Balance Falmouth Road Race

FALMOUTH, Mass. — Leo Manzano, who won a silver medal at 1500...

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Stellar fields led by Olympic silver medalist Leo Manzano for ServiceNow West Chester Mile

August 09, 2016

Bolas & Schneider to defend race titles; the second edition and third stop on the BBTM Grand Prix Tour 2016 also offers $15,000 in Open prize money

Runners of all ability levels will converge on Henderson High School Thursday night, August 11 for the ServiceNow West Chester Mile, a celebration...

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Achieving the American Dream

July 29, 2016

I hope that people can see me as an example of success and that it can resonate throughout their lives so that they, too, can chase their American Dream.

By Leo Manzano, 2012 Olympic 1500 silver medalist, for RunBlogRun.com

Growing up I've always felt that I didn't fit in, from the cultural...

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Leo Manzano hopes to repeat Olympic success

May 04, 2016

The 2012 Olympic 1500 meter silver medalist currently spends about six hours training daily, but most of that time is spent away from the track... where the focus is on recovery, getting massages and taking ice baths to keep him going each day.

By Jacob Martella, The Daily Texan

Leo Manzano...

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Olympian Manzano warming up for a big 2016

December 23, 2015

“The 1500 has gained a lot of momentum. It’s a big event in the Olympics. The competition is incredible. U.S. distance running is the best in the world with Kenya.”

By Jennifer Fierro, DailyTrib.com

BURNET — Olympic medalist and Marble Falls High School graduate Leonel Manzano is using the...

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All Three Americans Qualify for World 1500-Meter Final

August 28, 2015

For the first time since 2009, Team USA has 3 men advance to an IAAF World Championship final in the 1500m; Final on Sunday, August 30 at 7:45pm local time.

By Peter Gambaccini, Runner's World

Americans Matthew Centrowitz, Leo Manzano, and Robby Andrews qualified in Friday’s semi-finals for...

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All 3 American Men Advance to IAAF World Championship 1500m Semifinal

August 27, 2015

Team USA once again looked strong in the first round of the 1500 as Matthew Centrowitz, Leo Manzano and Robby Andrews all advanced to Friday’s semifinals.

From LetsRun.com

Day 6 of the 2015 IAAF World Championships in Beijing began in a very similar fashion to Day 5 for Team USA’s distance...

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Leo Manzano headed to World Championships with Team USA

July 02, 2015

“You can be the best guy coming into those races, and then for some reason, something happens....When you make it to the final, just believe because anything can happen.”

By Jennifer Fierro, Daily Trib

Marble Falls High School graduate Leonel Manzano made his seventh Team USA squad June 27...

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Leo Manzano Talks Training and Transitions in 2015 Season

June 15, 2015

"I will move on to the World champs in Beijing with the goal of bringing in another medal for the USA. I have too many people supporting me, that it is the very least I can attempt to do."

By Peter Mallett, FloTrack

A lot has changed in the last year for Leo Manzano. New coach, new agent, new...

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Manzano earns measured revenge in Drake Relays Mile

April 26, 2015

Leo comes back from 2nd place finish to Centrowitz at the Grand Blue Mile, duel featured more strategy than speed.

By Andrew Logue, The Des Moines Register

It took Leo Manzano just four days to even a score.

He'd finished second behind Matthew Centrowitz in Tuesday's Grand Blue Mile, but...

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Centrowitz Wins Over Manzano, Kampf Repeats at Grand Blue Mile

April 22, 2015

Matthew Centrowitz and Heather Kampf picked up $5000 for their road Mile wins, event record 5,000 participants at 6th edition event.

By LetsRun.com

DES MOINES, Iowa - (April 21, 2015) - The Drake Relays kicked off in grand style with the Grand Blue Mile Tuesday night in Des Moines. Matthew...

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Olympic medalist Leo Manzano finds the perfect fit in new sponsor

December 21, 2014

“Leo is the right athlete for HOKA ONE ONE because he believes in our footwear."

By Jennifer Fierro, DailyTrib.com

BURNET, Texas — When they’re young, people say they put on the fastest shoes in the world.

For 2004 Marble Falls High School graduate Leo Manzano, those shoes also helped him...

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Leo Manzano Talks Training, Racing, HOKA and the Mile

November 01, 2014

“I would love for everyone to have that experience to enjoy running and see what the sport is all about.”

By Todd Straka for Bring Back the Mile

Runners of all ages and talents towered around the 5’ 5” Olympic silver medalist hoping to have a few words or snap a selfie for their social feed....

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Pro runners go extra Mile prior to downtown Pittsburgh event

August 01, 2014

“Liberty Mile is really the first race that takes the professionals and integrates them directly into the community at ground level, which I think is really special.” - Jordan McNamara

By Karen Price, Tribune-Review

Jordan McNamara stood in front of dozens of Summer Dreamers Academy campers...

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Third Time’s a Charm for Jordan McNamara at GNC Live Well Liberty Mile

August 01, 2014

Gabriele Grunewald women's champion over two-time defending champion Heather Kampf; 1,000-plus participants at third edition; fourth stop on the Bring Back the Mile Grand Prix Tour 2014

By Ryan Lamppa, The Mile wire

PITTSBURGH – (August 1, 2014) – At the third GNC Live Well Liberty Mile on...

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Leo Manzano: An American Love Story & The Business of Running

June 02, 2014

"I have a new coach, John Hayes, who is in my corner, Hawi is right there and the folks at HOKA ONE ONE are absolutely the best."

By Max Lockwood, RunBlogRun.com

As viewers and spectators of sport, we are often engrossed with the performance of the athletes. They are fierce warriors who take...

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Local race aiming to bring the Mile back into spotlight

July 31, 2014

GNC Live Well Liberty Mile attracts top U.S. field including Leo Manzano and defending champion Heather Kampf

By Alex Nieves, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Steve Prefontaine, Roger Bannister, Mary Decker. If you were to stop an adult on the streets of an American city, these names would likely...

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American Development Program Ambassadors Inspire Pittsburgh Youth to Run GNC Live Well Liberty Mile

July 21, 2014

Top U.S. Milers Leo Manzano, Jordan McNamara & Heather Kampf and 200 kids part of Giant Eagle Kids of STEEL program and the Summer Dreamers Academy 5-week summer partnership

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – This summer, 2012 Olympic silver medalist Leo Manzano, along with professional Milers and American...

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Olympic Silver Medalist Leo Manzano Headlines GNC Live Well Liberty Mile

July 15, 2014

Men’s field also includes 2-time race runner-up Jordan McNamara; 3rd edition in downtown Pittsburgh features new American Pro Mile with a $20,000 prize purse; 4th stop on Bring Back the Mile Grand Prix Tour 2014

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – 2012 Olympic silver medalist and reigning USA 1 Mile road...

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Welcome back, Leo!

July 02, 2014

“I stepped off the track and thought. I don’t have the support or the guidance. Okay, what’s next? Am I truly done?”

By SPIKES powered by IAAF

You would imagine winning an Olympic silver medal might open up a welter of opportunities and untold riches. Not for Leo Manzano, whose 18 months...

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BBTM USA National Championships: Men’s 1500m

June 28, 2014

Welcome to BBTM's coverage of the 2014 USA Track & Field Outdoor National Championships Men's 1500m. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter and check-back after each day of competition...

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Manzano, Kampf Win Close Races at USA 1 Mile Road Championships

April 22, 2014

2012 Olympic 1500m silver medalist wins his first USA road title; Queen of the Road Mile breaks event record

> Men's Race Video at RunnerSpace.com
> Women's Race Video at RunnerSpace.com

INDIANAPOLIS – Olympic silver medalist Leo Manzano and Team USA Minnesota standout Heather Kampf kicked...

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Olympic Silver Medalist Leo Manzano Signs with HOKA ONE ONE

April 09, 2014

U.S. 1500 meter star will showcase revolutionary running brand and play a key role in the company’s development of its first racing flats and spikes

RICHMOND, Calif. – HOKA ONE ONE® has announced the signing of 2012 Olympic silver medalist Leo Manzano, who specializes in the 1500 meter and Mile...

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Through the Eyes of the Lion: A Glimpse of Hope

January 05, 2014

Adversity has taught me to defeat those obstacles to continue doing what I love without limits.

By Leo Manzano

First of all, thank you for visiting my new blog. When I began this new endeavor, I was not sure how it would work or if it would be worthwhile. I was also afraid I would be forced...

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Manzano urges athletes to ‘continue on’ with passion for running

December 13, 2013

2012 Olympic 1500m silver medalist inspires at USA Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships opening ceremonies

By Jerry Briggs, San Antonio Express-News

U.S. Olympian Leo Manzano on Friday night urged athletes competing in a national cross country meet in San Antonio to “continue on with...

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Olympic silver medalist Leo Manzano Q&A

September 05, 2013

"Of course the Mile was and is a prime event so it was exciting to be part of the historic event."

By AthleteGo

Leo Manzano is an American distance star who is known for the 1500 and the Mile. For any runner out there knowing your maximum Mile speed is the benchmark. Leo won the 1500 meter...

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Running (and chatting) a magic Mile with Manzano

August 07, 2013

In America, "When they ask you how fast you run, it’s always about how fast you run the Mile rather than the 1500.”

By Alex Mills, Athletics Weekly

When most people think of the Mile, names such as Seb Coe, Steve Ovett and Steve Cram are sure to spring to mind. The name Leo Manzano is perhaps...

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Men’s 1500 Meter Team for World Champs Finalized

July 08, 2013

Centrowitz, Manzano, and Lomong will go to Moscow.

By Peter Gambaccini, Runner's World

The confusing and somewhat nerve-racking matter of who will represent the United States in the men’s 1500 at the World Championships next month was resolved on Saturday after a fast race at Meeting Areva, a...

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Olympic hero Leo Manzano in search of sponsorship

June 21, 2013

2012 silver medalist running "unattached" at USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Des Moines

By Tim Layden, Sports Illustrated

DES MOINES -- There are 19 billboard-sized Nike swooshes affixed to the concrete walls and iron railings encircling the outer boundary of the running track at...

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Is Something Wrong with U.S. Milers?

June 19, 2013

A perfect storm of factors leads to a lack of fast 1500 meter times in 2013 for U.S. men

By Peter Gambaccini, Runner's World

As runners line up for the first round of the men’s 1500 meters on Thursday at the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Des Moines, none of them will have the "A"...

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The Underdog

April 30, 2013

Leo Manzano's Olympic silver medal hasn't changed his perspective

By Phil Latter, Running Times

Leo Manzano's silver medal in London last summer might have been the American dream come true, but it didn't change his perspective: He's still the immigrant kid, working hard and clawing his way...

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USA 1 Mile Road Championships Field Set

April 11, 2013

Two-time Olympians Manzano, Rowbury headline field; $30,000 national championship prize purse

By Lance Bergeson, Des Moines Register

The elite fields for the 2013 USA Men's and Women's 1 Mile Road Championships on Tuesday, April 23 in Des Moines will feature an Olympic silver medalist.

Leo...

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Why You Need to Participate in the Manzano Mile in 2014

March 25, 2013

By Leah Fisher Nyfeler, Austin Fit Magazine

I confess:  The thought of running at an all-comers track meet had me scared to death. I’ve never been in a track meet, although I cheered my son on enthusiastically when he was in middle school (he ran hurdles) and then again when he ran cross...

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Silver Medalist Leo Manzano Picks Up Where He Left Off

March 01, 2013

By Jennifer Fierro, The River Cities Daily Tribune

AUSTIN, Texas — In many ways, U.S. Olympian Leo Manzano is following the same training regimen that helped him capture the silver medal in the men’s 1500 meters at the London 2012 Summer Olympics.

He just returned from San Luis Potosi,...

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Local Olympian Donates to Blue Santa

December 13, 2012

Leo Manzano's organization donated $7500

By Calily Bien, KXAN

AUSTIN, Texas - Leo Manzano, the 2012 Olympic silver medalist in the men's 1500 meters, gave the Austin Police Department's Blue Santa program an early Christmas gift on Thursday.

Manzano said the media attention swirling around...

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A Humble Start

December 12, 2012

By Josh Weaver, Odessa America

KERMIT, Texas - Leo Manzano took hold of his passion at an early age and has since run with it around the globe, leaving footprints across roads, terrains and tracks that were once figments of his imagination.

He said running was his way out. It has been his...

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Leo Manzano Interview

November 07, 2012

By Gary Cohen Running

Leonel Manzano won the Silver Medal in the 1500 meter run at the 2012 Olympics in London, England. It was the first medal for the U.S. in that event since Jim Ryun earned a Silver Medal in 1968. Leo is the 2012 Olympic Trials 1500 meter champion. He also was a member of...

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Olympic Athlete Leo Manzano is Example for Young Hispanics

October 11, 2012

By Fox News Latino

Mexican-American athlete Leo Manzano made history this year by winning the silver medal in the 1500 meter race at the London Olympics, but before and after that accomplishment a great part of his efforts have focused on inspiring other young people to follow in his footsteps....

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Exclusive Interview: Leo Manzano, Track & Field Olympian

September 04, 2012

By Rebecca Villaneda, HispanicBusiness.com

Leo Manzano, 27, is still on a high from taking home the silver for the men's 1500 meter final on Aug. 7 at the 2012 London Olympics.

And he should be. It was the first time an American won a medal in that race since Jim Ryun won a silver in 1968. To...

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USA’s Manzano Comes From Behind to Claim Silver in 1500

August 07, 2012

"My kick has always been there. Ever since I was maybe 12-years-old, I've had this major gift from God. I guess sometimes it's just been kind of overlooked."

By David Leon Moore, USA TODAY

LONDON – The race was run by someone who a day earlier had been kicked out of the Olympics. That alone...

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Beach Vacation Set Manzano on Course for Second Olympic Appearance

July 26, 2012

“I know if I’m in the right place at the right time I have a good chance here, to finish in the top three or top five.”
By David Monti, (c) 2012 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved

TEDDINGTON, England – (July 26, 2012) – When Leo Manzano left the track at the IAAF World Championships in...

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1500 Meters U.S. Champion on Humble Beginnings

July 02, 2012

By Michel Martin, National Public Radio

Leonel Manzano is the new U.S. track and field champion in the men's 1500 meters. He took home the title on Sunday night, and booked his place on the 2012 U.S. Olympic team. As part of Tell Me More's preview of the Summer Olympics, host Michel Martin...

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Track’s Leo Manzano ready to improve on ‘08 Olympics

May 22, 2012

As part of USA TODAY Sports' "100 Olympic hopefuls in 100 Days" series, prospective U.S. Olympians give their thoughts on the Games in their own words.

By Michael Florek, USA Today

Leo Manzano's first trip to the Olympics ended when he didn't make the final of the men's 1,500 meters.

He...

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Track Star Leo Manzano Returns to Marble Falls After Olympic Silver

September 30, 2012

By Jazmine Ulloa, American-Statesman

MARBLE FALLS, Texas - It was a welcome back celebration of Olympic proportions for track star Leo Manzano on Sunday inside the Marble Falls High School auditorium.

More than 500 people roared with applause, whistling and cheering wildly as the silver...

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4 Minutes with a Miler - Leo Manzano

March 22, 2012

Podcast series kicks off with Leo Manzano discussing why the Mile is important, breaking 4 minutes, and the Manzano Mile. It is hosted by Duncan Larkin with the audio available below and through the iTunes store, in addition to the complete video and transcript below.

Complete Transcript

...

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Brief Chat: Leo and the Manzano Mile

March 05, 2012

By Peter Gambaccini, Runner's World

Leo Manzano, who kicked past Matthew Centrowitz to defend his 1500-meter title at the 2012 USA Indoor Championships, is the founder and host of the Manzano Mile in Austin, Texas on March 24, a series of miles and mile relays for all age groups to be staged at...

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Bring Back the Mile as the premier event in the sport, and increase interest in and media coverage of the Mile for both those who love the distance as well as the general public.

CELEBRATE
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