The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Olympian and former Longhorn Manzano receives hero's welcome
10.18.2012 | Track & Field / Cross Country m, Track & Field / Cross Country
Oct. 18, 2012
Video: Manzano a hometown hero
by Elissa Schneiderman, Texas Media Relations
MARBLE FALLS, Texas -- Hundreds assembled at the Marble Falls High School auditorium on Sunday, Sept. 30, to celebrate and recognize Olympian Leonel "Leo" Manzano for his athletic accomplishments and devotion to his hometown community.
Manzano is from Granite Shoals, which is a small community just miles from Marble Falls.
Manzano earned an Olympic silver medal in the 1,500-meter race in London this summer with a closing stretch surge that carried him from the back of the pack to second place. Not only was this Manzano's first Olympic medal, but it also marked the first time an American secured an Olympic medal in the metric mile in 44 years.
"What an honor to come back home and be with all my people here," Manzano said. "Everybody has just been so supportive. I'm very blessed to be here and that they think of me so highly."
Manzano was born in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Mexico before his family relocated to Texas when he was 4 years old. Before graduating from Marble Falls High in 2004, Manzano earned nine 4A state championships in track and cross country.
In his collegiate career Manzano became the only-five time NCAA Champion in the history of the Texas men's track and field program, and his 11 All-America honors remains unmatched. During his tenure as a Longhorn, Manzano lead UT to three Big 12 Conference titles.
Manzano now resides in Austin, but Granite Shoals and Marble Falls took time on Sunday to enthusiastically celebrate their hometown hero.
"We've watched Leo grow up for many years in Burnet County, and we've followed his races throughout his career," Burnet County Judge Donna Klaeger said. "As you grow up and get away from high school, you don't really have that much contact with your hometown. It was a lot of fun for people to come together, share their stories, congratulate Leo and wish him good luck for the future."
Klaeger acted as the master of ceremonies for the event, which featured an address by Manzano, as well as warm words from Marble Falls Mayor George Russell and other local dignitaries.
Russell presented the runner with a Wall of Honor at Marble Falls High School, complete with congratulatory letters from elected officials and a flag that had been flown at the state Capitol in tribute to Manzano.
Klaeger said that as county judge, she was approached by residents of Granite Shoals and Marble Falls to develop an inclusive celebration that pulled both communities together. Klaeger even incorporated her county's youth by asking them to prepare congratulatory signs.
"Leo shared some great stories with us today," Klaeger said. "We were able to pull together a lot of recognition for him from across the entire United States--from US senators and congressmen all the way down to our cities, Burnet County and the local track association. It was just a way to show Leo that we know he works hard that he's given a lot into his career."
The ceremony also incorporated a live performance of a song written and performed for Manzano by national recording artist john Arthur martinez, who is from Cottonwood Shores.
This summer marked Manzano's second Olympic appearance. In 2008, he finished 12th in the 1,500-meter event in the Beijing games.
But Manzano's Olympic career may not be over, yet. In response to questions submitted by the audience, Manzano confirmed that he will be focusing on qualifying for the games in 2016.
To celebrate Manzano's Rio de Janiero ambitions and to close out the ceremony, executive director of the Marble Falls/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce, Bill Rives, danced onstage in a decorative fruit hat, which Rives later gifted to Manzano.
Later that evening, Manzano and notable community members gathered in Granite Shoals to hold a groundbreaking and dedication ceremony for the Leonel ManzanoHike, Bike and Run Trail, which, when complete, will be two miles long and eight feet wide.
Manzano said he is particularly enthusiastic about the trail because of the role it will play in the future health of his hometown community.
"It means a lot," Manzano said. "Maybe having the hike and bike trail will help us fight things like obesity, heart disease and diabetes."
Finally, at dusk, Burnet County orchestrated a synchronized fireworks show in Manzano's honor.
