Leo Manzano- 1:52 800m at Texas Relays

Leo’s one of the best competitors and reps of the sport we’ve had. Never suspected him of doping, and the guy was going up against the juiced up likes of Mahkloufi et al. I think it’s cool that he’s still going at it, winding up a great career the way he wants (and with some Hoka paychecks taboot). Woulda been cool to see him move up to the 5k or even longer. He’s got the stature of a good road racer, like Tsegaye Kebede, Sammy Wanjiru, or Kenny B body type

seems like a lot of people actually want him to "be done" or feel good about asserting that he's done?

WHY would we, a bunch of running lovers, want an athlete's career to be over?! Especially such a seemingly nice guy.

what's the deal here?!

1.) What is "discuss"

2.) Why do people feel the need to post here EVERY time Leo runs slow (which is a lot)?! Does it really surprise you anymore?

Hermès link ice blue mink wrote:

So Leo opened up his outdoor season with a 1:52 800m. He’s traditionally opened at Texas relays with an 800 the past 5-7 years. He’s progressively gotten slower each year I remember him running 1:45-46 with ease then it became 1:48-49, last year I think it was a 1:50 now this year 1:52. I know he’s not the most consistent racer but 1:52 is something different it shows an aging former Olympic medalist.

In a flotrack interview he says he has more races out together with an ultimate goal of breaking 4 in the mile!!!?

Really? This isn’t a good sign.

Is it safe to say... manzano is officially done?

Let’s say: he never breaks 3:40 for 1500 for the remainder of his career... is that a safe bet?

Discuss..

You are enjoying it too much. Its called transference.

He will still have been a great runner you won't, his getting older might make you feel better ultimately it won't as you don't get it. Just accept you are a loser like the rest of us. Then you won't be do bitter at least.

He needs to retire, that’s way to off of his pr. High schoolers run that. It’s already bad enough that he got beat by one last year in the mile.

Leo is like Jim Ryun or Khalid Khannouchi in that he can get in race shape quickly if he wishes

how quickly everyone loves to hate

this guy had a great HS, College, and post collegiate career. Time to retire? maybe.

or

maybe he just loves to race?

First of all: I am not enjoying anything buddy.

I know I’ve had my chances and have run pretty well so I’m content with that this is definitely not about me as you’re making it. If you’re a loser that’s on you.

The masses got attached to the word “hating” and don’t really know what that means as apposed to those that grew up in the culture where it derives. No one is hating on Leo, just bringing up a topic and curious how others feel including yourself old bloke. Take care

I think Leo would do well to have a change of scenery. His ability to reset his career likely depends on a change in environment and that includes coaching. I’d go back to his college coach and train with Andrews, get things going with Cook again, or possibly even Li out in AZ. Heck possibly even Hays would be an improvement.

Leo " The Fork "nice guy , great career, time to find work dude.

huh69 wrote:

1.) What is "discuss"

I believe OP meant to write "discus"

He might like racing but he should probably race people his caliber

Yep. Needed to be said!

Leo's Olympic silver was an incredible performance and definitely an example of under success. The rest of Leo's career is good but nothing even close to OG 2nd. He ran one or two solid times a year and made quiet a few WC teams, but was never close to a global medal in any of them.

It isn't surprising he has struggled the last two years. He wasn't a jaw dropping athlete time wise and always had to work pretty hard to get under world standard. He ages like everyone and his peak wasn't high enough to continue being elite while declining.

He is a great person and it is good to hear he's active with the community. I hope he still finds enjoyment in running but, objectively, his elite days have been over for a while.

The Real Deal wrote:

FrenchDawg wrote:

Faster than our reigning Olympic champion...

Leo is quite likely the actual Gold medalist in London 2012.

Nah. That PC stuff is so ingrained in you sheeple that you never question it. You white boys aren't smart enough to ask why you hate your own, and why you hate certain groups while at the same time falling all over yourselves to defend East Africans and others. So naive.

Manzano is older but he also has some issue with his head, literally. Then he'll all of a sudden run a good race.

Not Fast wrote:

Leo is a great ambassador for the sport. You can see him running around town with the younger athletes from University of Texas. He gives back to the community in so many ways. Let him finish the way he wants to. He's earned it.....

This reminds me of the basic plot of Cars 3.