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Track and Field Athlete Ready for the Olympic Trials
Liberal Arts senior hopes to claim the gold medal in Beijing
Austin, Texas -June 16, 2008- After winning the men's 1,500-meter race at the NCAA Track and Field Championships, Leonel Manzano, a Spanish and Portuguese senior, is set to compete in the U.S. Olympic Trials June 27-July 6 in Eugene, Ore.
Manzano finished his university athletic career the way he started it, earning a national title in the 1,500 meters. The 2005 National Champion ran a 3:41.25 to beat the field by more than one second.
He led the race from wire to wire and fended off various runners throughout the last lap before pulling away with about 200 meters to go. Manzano ends his collegiate career with five NCAA Championships and nine All-America honors.
"I knew I was fit, but I didn't know how long the reserve was going to last," Manzano said. "I knew I had to try to win this race, put it on the line and see what I could do. I'm excited with this being my last NCAA race. It's been a big honor for me to compete, and hopefully, graduate from The University of Texas."
Contact:
John Bianco
Assistant Athletics Director, Media Relations
512-471-1346
john.bianco@athletics.utexas.edu