Track and Field Blogs - Leonel Manzano


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Europe

Leonel Manzano | Profile
July 20, 2009

Hey everyone,

I am in Europe on my first European track circuit. We arrived to London (Ryan Ponsonby, Shannon Rowbury and I) about two weeks ago. We are staying south of London in a nice house in Teddington next to Bushy Park. It is a great location especially for a runner. Bushy Park has about 7miles of trail and connects to Holmes park, which is where Hampton Court Palace is located. Since our arrival we've been training and preparing for Heusdon, London, Stockholm and my main focus, the World Championships in Berlin.

I kicked off my first competition in Heusdon, Belgium with an 800m. Except for the wind, it was a great race and I ended up 3rd with a 1:46.20. Two Kenyans finished ahead of me. It was great fun competing on the international scene. I cant wait to get more of these types of races in my system. The atmosphere compares with nothing I've ever experienced, when the gun went off thirteen thousand fans immediately erupted, I wish you all could experience that adrenaline rush.

From my Belgium experience, i've determined track and field could be the second biggest sport in Europe. The track was surrounded by fans and had VIP tables just off the track. But most impressive were the variety of fans young and old, business people, families, dates... all were simply enjoying their saturday at the races, track races that is. They were served various types food and drink (including alcohol). Certainly a first class experience at the track. One of my best experiences in Track and field...

We will see what our next race has in store for us..

Till next time

Leo

www.leomanzano.com




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#13
Newman   July 31 at 8:10am
I'm so proud of you Leonel! You have turned into an amazing gentleman! I will never forget the meet in Brownwood Texas when you first broke the two minute mark in the 800. After the first lap, all of the coaches from the other teams were laughing because you were in a dead sprint after 300 meters. The MF coaches were like, "Just keep watching!" You actually lapped kids in that race! I don't know if you remember my daughter Alyssa, but she has fond memories of you, too. You were her kindergarten PAL at Colt. She is in the 8th grade now, same grade you were in when I met you! Again, it is amazing to see you use your physical gift as a tool for your human gift. You were always gracious and friendly, and I see that hasn't changed! Good luck in Europe and the worlds! Coach Newman!
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#12
London Boy   July 23 at 10:45am
man i live in east london thought i could of seen him run in the local greenway next to the olympic stadium being built
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#11
In Stereo   July 21 at 7:18pm
In heaven, the cooks are French, the distance runners are Kenyans....

just wondering if Leo is stereotyping the Kenyans?
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#10
Lol   July 20 at 9:11pm
did he have to mention that the two people ahead of him were kenyan haha besides that great race
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#9
Sneak Attack   July 20 at 7:52pm
Apple Tree - Great way to move up during the race!
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#8
Fan   July 20 at 3:13pm
Best of luck in Europe! Do you think you could post some pictures of the parks and where you travel so we can get a visual of what you're talking about?...it all sounds really cool.
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#7
Jessica Sandoval   July 20 at 1:42pm
awesome race at Heusden!! it was fun to watch :D i wish you the best for the rest of the season!
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#6
MikeyB   July 20 at 1:06pm
sounds like a dream Leo....wait up....wait up....your're dreaming....maybe not.....but it sounds like Heaven for Track and Field Athletes! Real fans in the seats not just other runners, athletes, and family members. ....that sounds to good to be true!....THE AMERICAN DREAM
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#5
Victor LeMay   July 20 at 11:25am
that 800 was awesome! u really brought it the last 100. good job, keep reppin texas!
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#4
Read A Book   July 20 at 8:54am
Go Leo. Looking forward to more videos of you're races. You're a great athlete!
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#3
Tommie Poston   July 20 at 7:49am
Now if we could only get this kind of experience back home, outside of Hayward Field.
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#2
Scott Overall   July 20 at 5:45am
#1
Mrs. Doubtfire   July 20 at 4:32am
Nice blog Leo. Good luck. You are one of my absoulute favorite racers!
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