Manzano named Athlete of the Week

Manzano wins Emsley Carr Mile

INDIANAPOLIS – Leo Manzano has been named USA Track & Field’s Athlete of the Week after winning the Emsley Carr Mile at the Aviva London Grand Prix Saturday.

Manzano ran a smart race, starting near the back of the pack and gradually improving his position. As the leaders hit the bell lap, the 2008 Olympian sat in fifth place and quickly closed the gap on the lead group of four runners. As the other athletes began to tire, Manzano was relaxed and moved into third place.

With 100m left to go, he found himself running side-by-side with Bernard Lagat and Augustine Kiprono Choge of Kenya. Manzano ran out of lane three and was able to take the lead in a winning time of 3:51.24. Lagat was second in 3:51.38.

Manzano told USATF, “The Emsley Carr Mile has been one of the most elusive races to win, yet this win has been one of the most gratifying.”

Manzano’s time is the fastest run by an American this year and the ninth fastest in the world.

Now in its tenth year, USATF’s Athlete of the Week program is designed to recognize outstanding performers at all levels of the sport. USATF names a new honoree each week and features the athlete on the USATF website. Selections are based on top performances and results from the previous week.

Winners: January 5, Bill Tribou; January 12, Tyler Sorensen; January 20, Josh Cox; January 26,Ben Shorey; February 2, Ashton Eaton; February 9, Ashton Eaton; February 16, Bernard Lagat; February 23, Ryan Crouser; March 2, Jillian Camarena-Williams; March 10, Bill Collins; March 16, Miles Batty; March 23, Shalane Flanagan; March 30, John Nunn; April 6, Aries Merritt; April 13, Gunnar Nixon; April 20, Desiree Davila; April 27, Nolan Shaheed; May 4, Emma Coburn; May 11, Willie Gault; May 18, English Gardner; May 25, Kibwé Johnson; June 1, Khadevis Robinson; June 8, Carmelita Jeter; June 15, Lukas Verzbicas; June 22, Aisling Cuffe; June 29, Trevor Barron; July 6, Aldrich Bailey; July 13, Jillian Camarena-Williams; July 20, Johnnye Valien; July 27, Bernard Lagat; August 3, Marcus Krah; August 9, Leo Manzano