TITLE: Congratulating Leo Manzano of Austin on winning the silver medal in the men's 1,500-meter run at the 2012 London Olympics.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Leo Manzano of Austin on winning the silver medal in the men's 1,500-meter run at the 2012 London Olympics.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Texas athletes have a long history of excelling at the highest levels of competition, and Leonel Manzano of Austin furthered that tradition with his silver-medal performance in the men's 1,500-meter run at the 2012 London Olympics; and WHEREAS, Born in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Mexico, Leo Manzano moved to the United States at the age of four; he began demonstrating his passion for running at an early age, and while a student at Marble Falls High School, he won nine individual state track and field titles; and WHEREAS, Mr. Manzano continued his dominance in distance events at The University of Texas at Austin, claiming five NCAA national championship titles and capping his collegiate career by earning the Men's Track Athlete of the Year award from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association; the holder of four school records, he became the first Longhorn to run the 1,500 meters in the Olympics when he took part in the 2008 summer games in Beijing; that same year, he began competing in professional events, and since then he has achieved numerous podium finishes in major races around the world; and WHEREAS, In 2012, this superb athlete renewed his Olympic quest by finishing first in the 1,500 meters at the U.S. trials; at the London games, he made a strong showing in his first round and semifinal races and then matched up against the world's top distance competitors in the final; rounding the last turn in sixth place, he unleashed a blazing kick to the finish, streaking down the backstretch to pass four runners in the last 40 meters and capture the silver medal; and WHEREAS, With that exceptional effort, Leo Manzano became the first U.S. athlete since 1968 to win an Olympic medal in the men's 1,500 meters, and his skill and determination have made him an inspiring role model for young athletes and a source of great pride to the residents of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Leo Manzano on winning the silver medal in the 1,500-meter run at the 2012 London Olympics and extend to him best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Manzano as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Naishtat Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 157 was adopted by the House on February 18, 2013, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House