Running
Leonel “Leo” Manzano
Dubbed by many in the press as the fastest Hispanic man alive, Mexican American middle distance runner Leo Manzano, who hails from the Lone Star state of Texas, is no Olympic rookie. Manzano represented the United States in the 1,500 meter at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, but failed to qualify for its final. Pressing on after Beijing, Manzano had a breakthrough season at the international level in 2009, qualifying for the World Championships 1,500 meter event final. Earlier this month he shocked many by beating out two well regarded distance runners in Oregon to qualify for his second Olympic team. After the victory Manzano told USA Today “There aren’t a lot of 1,500 meter runners coming out of Texas…I think I’m one of two. But everybody’s really excited…” With the type of kick Manzano displayed at the trials and nothing but medal on his mind, many are figuring for him to be much more of a factor in London.