Leonel Manzano was born on December 12, 1984, in the small town of Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Mexico. At the age of four, his family made the life-changing decision to move to Granite Shoals, Texas, seeking a better future for their children. It was in Texas where Manzano would discover his passion for running.
Upon graduating from high school, Manzano attended the University of Texas on a track and field scholarship. It was here that he truly made a name for himself as a runner, winning an impressive five NCAA National Championship titles. His dedication and hard work paid off, and he quickly became a standout athlete in the collegiate track community.
Manzano's big breakthrough came at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Competing in the 1500M race, he surprised many by winning the silver medal, finishing just 0.71 seconds behind the gold-medalist, Taoufik Makhloufi. This marked a significant milestone in Manzano's career, solidifying his status as one of the top middle-distance runners in the world.
Despite being born in Mexico, Manzano chose to compete internationally for the United States. This decision was not made lightly, as it meant representing a new country and leaving behind his Mexican roots. However, Manzano embraced the opportunity to compete on a larger stage and proudly wore the red, white, and blue of Team USA.
Throughout his career, Manzano has continued to impress fans and fellow athletes with his determination and perseverance. He has proven time and time again that hard work pays off, and his success serves as inspiration to aspiring runners around the world. As he continues to compete at the highest level, there is no doubt that Leonel Manzano will leave a lasting legacy in the world of track and field.
Outside of his athletic career, Manzano is known for his humble and down-to-earth personality. He remains close to his family and cherishes the values instilled in him from a young age. In his free time, he enjoys giving back to his community and inspiring the next generation of runners through coaching and mentorship.