US Olympian Leo Manzano inspires DVISD students during presentation

2012 Olympian silver medalist Leonel Manzano was at Del Valle High School on Dec. 6, sharing his inspirational story of migrating to the U.S., his passion for running, attending the University of Texas-Austin, and ultimately competing in the 2012 London Olympics. 

Manzano spoke of his inspiring journey and remarkable success with DVISD students, taking their questions, and was available for photos and autographs. The event aimed to encourage DVISD athletes and newcomer students beginning their journey in the U.S. to take their future into their own hands and strive for success in everything they do at DVISD and beyond. 

"I look up to him for all that he's done. His talk inspired and motivated me and others to follow our own dreams like he did," said freshman Ana Sanchez. "I'm so excited because I got to meet him too." 

Manzano was born in Guanajuato, Mexico, and immigrated to the U.S. with his family at the age of four. Raised in Granite Shoals, Texas, just an hour away from Austin, that’s where Manzano found his passion for running. He attended Marble Falls High School, where he won nine Texas 4A state championships in track and cross country. 

After graduating from high school, Manzano attended UT-Austin, winning five NCAA National Championship titles and earning 11 All-American honors. Less than a month after winning his final college competition, he qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and placed 12 in the semifinals. Four years later, he qualified for the 2012 London Olympics and won the silver medal in the 1500 meters, making him the first American to medal in the event since 1968. 

Manzano has racked up many professional accolades since then, including being inducted into the UT-Austin Hall of Honor. To this day, he is the first Longhorn to make the U.S. Olympic team and run in the 1500 meter and the most decorated track and field athlete in the school’s history.

His advice to DVISD students was to remain grateful even when life gets tough. 

"Remain grateful and count your blessing instead of being angry because that's the foundation to help you achieve what you set your mind to," Leo told the auditorium packed with students and their families. 

He also encouraged students to find good mentors in life. He credits his massive success to the adults he had in his life at school, in college, in his running career, and his parents. 

"His talk was inspirational and made me want to be great like him," said DVHS sophomore Derick LeBlanc.