Latino Catholic runner makes history at Olympic games

Last updated on: August 13, 2012 at 6:03 pm by CNA Daily News

Latino Catholic runner makes history at Olympic games 2012-08-13T18:03:00+00:00 CNA Daily News

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Austin, Texas, Aug 13, 2012 / 12:03 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Forty-four years since the last victory by an American, Leonel “Leo” Manzano won an Olympic silver medal for the U.S. in the 1500-meter race, to the delight of his fellow parishioners at St. Ignatius the Martyr in Austin, Texas.

Born in Mexico and raised in the U.S., at five feet tall, Manzano caught the attention of the media first for his height and also for his habit of blessing himself and praying before competing.

During the 1500 meter race on Aug. 7 at London's Olympic stadium, he stayed in second-to-last place for the majority of the event. But in the last 200 meters, Manzano sprinted past the entire group to claim the silver in the race's fastest time ever for an American athlete.

Manzano told ESPN that after crossing the finish line he fell down on the track to pray and thank God for the fruits of all his sacrifices and the long hours spent in training and competitions away from his home in Austin.

When he is in Austin, Manzano attends Mass at St. Ignatius the Martyr Parish, where he gave a motivational talk to children at the local Catholic school last April.

Father Bill Wack, the pastor of St. Ignatius, told CNA that the local Catholic community “is proud of Leo – not only because he won a medal but also because he talks about his Faith and gives credit to God for his achievements.

“We are anxious to welcome him back home.”

Manzano told USA Today that during the race he “felt like I was 10th or 11th.”

“I knew I was in the back. I just kept praying, saying, 'Heavenly Father, help me. Push me. Give me the strength to keep going.”

“My kick has always been there,” he added. “Ever since I was maybe 12 years old, I've had this major gift from God. I guess sometimes it's just been kind of overlooked.”

Manzano also spoke about his Mexican heritage and his love for America. “The U.S. is my home, and I wouldn't change it for anything,” he said. “But my roots are still in Mexico. I love both countries. They both have a piece of my heart.”

Fr. Wack told CNA that he kept in touch with Manzano via Twitter during his participation in the Olympics.

“During all of this I kept the congregation informed of our communications, and people in the parish were really pleased to know that he has worshipped here,” the priest said.

“The schoolchildren were thrilled to watch his progress, and one of our third graders said, 'I am so glad I got his autograph when he was here. I know someone who has won an Olympic medal!'”

Previous Post

August 13, 2012

Pope's butler will stand trial for alleged document leaks

Next Post

August 13, 2012 Philadelphia archdiocese to sell major properties

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Americas Asia - Pacific Europe Middle East - Africa Uncategorized US Vatican

Select a Month November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

How many chapters are in the book of Psalms?

Select your answer to see how you score.

100 200 120 150