On August 5th the Olympic games begin. The world, along with myself is anxious with anticipation to see the best of the best compete. One of my favorite parts of the Olympics is seeing the opening ceremony and seeing all of the former Olympians honored. Thanks to Coke for sharing Achieving the American Dream written by Olympic Silver Medalist and fellow Texan Leo Manzano! We’ve also got a fun giveaway at the bottom of the post too!
Achieving The American Dream
By Leo Manzano, Olympic Silver Medalist
Growing up I’ve always felt that I didn’t fit in, from the cultural differences in heritage to my size. There has always been a difference that separated me from my peers. You would think those differences would be debilitating to my morale but I’ve realized those differences were what gave me strength and made me into what I am today.
I came from an agricultural-farm based community where both sides of my family were farmers. In the United States, immigrants have been typically slow in transitioning due to cultural differences especially those in language. It’s been particularly slower for Mexican immigrants lacking the proper education. Consequently, work and money were hard to come by for my family. I started working at age of 11 doing manual labor with family; work was necessary to make ends meet at home. I continued working well throughout my elementary to my high school years. Once in middle school, I picked up running cross-country and track. Most of my youth was spent juggling between morning practice, school, and work.
While my classmates all hung out after school, I had to work. It was tough knowing that my family was different and that work was the foremost important thing in life. My work ethic and willingness to put my family first can all be traced back to my father. He had always been a laborer never backing from a job no matter how hard it was or how long it took. He carried that extraordinary work ethic from Mexico to the United States and taught his children to have the same mindset. For him, nothing in life was given; it had to be earned.
When I graduated high school, I had accomplished something no one in my family had ever done. My parents didn’t have the luxury of an education growing up and they were barely able to complete an elementary education, since they were needed in both family matters and farm duties. When I received my high school diploma was when my parents knew that, through their sacrifice, they were able to get their children ahead in life. I was a product of the exceptional values they had instilled in me and the American dream they had chased.
As I took my next step forward, my parents wondered what their next step was. Never having anyone in the family finish high school, they didn’t know what the future had in store for me. College was foreign to everyone in my family including myself. I didn’t even know anyone who had been to college, but I knew I had to keep raising the bar just as my parents before me did. Then, after winning several state championships, I was able to earn a scholarship and decided to trust my passion for running, backed by the values my parents taught me, and I took a chance.
At the University of Texas, I felt even more foreign but I found comfort through my running. During the end of my years at the University of Texas and into my post-collegiate years, I continued working hard chasing my dream to make an Olympic team. It wasn’t until 2008 when I qualified for my first Olympics in Beijing. Then, later in 2012 at the London Olympics, I was finally able to achieve those goals and dreams, as I was the first American in the Men’s 1500m to have earned a medal in that event since Jim Ryan in 1968. My victory lap was full of joy and emotion. The medal symbolized so much in my life as it was the result of the many years of hardship and sacrifice, not only as an athlete but also as an immigrant raised in the USA.
I often feel that many people see my diversity as weakness but in fact it has made me into a stronger person and competitor. If I had simply fitted in and forgot about my background and heritage, I wouldn’t have gained a wider perspective of the world, and the strong-willed body and mind that I have today. Standing at 5 feet 5 inches, I am one of the shorter runners out on the track; though this could be seen as a disadvantage, in fact it is my size that has given me an advantage –and especially with the cultural heritage and family values– that have put me in the fast track to success.
To this day, I still encounter challenges, but I remember my humble beginning to the battling of Goliaths on the track. I hope that people can see me as an example of success and that it can resonate throughout their lives so that they, too, can chase their American Dream. Even when you are at the top of the podium in life, it is important to remember where is it that you came from, for it’s your roots that keep you grounded when you have to weather a storm and your values are what takes you to victory, no matter how big or small they are.
Presently, Manzano has partnered with Coca-Cola to spread the message that anyone can achieve their dreams, regardless of humble beginnings. He also wants to emphasize the importance of embracing family values as a pivotal driver for success.
Leo’s story gives me chills every time I read it. An incredible journey and I can only imagine how his parents must just burst with pride at his accomplishments. His story really resonates with me and I’m proud to share it with you today.
Now for the giveaway! One of my lovely readers will have the chance to win this awesome Coke merchandise gift basket!
GIVEAWAY RULES: Giveaway is open to 18yrs + and US Only. The only way to enter is to leave a valid comment following the directions of the question and/or RT following tweet. Leave the link to your RT as a second entry. Giveaway ends Friday, August 5th at 11:59 PM EST. Void where prohibited. Candypolooza is not responsible for non prize fulfillment.
Leave a comment to win:
Who or what inspires you and why?
*Only answers with complete sentences that answer the question will be eligible to win.*
RT THIS:
Read the inspirational article by #Olympicmedalist Leo Manzano! Enter for a chance to win a Coke prize pack! https://t.co/EBlG1u0S9v AD
— Candy Po (@Candypo) July 15, 2016
Good Luck!
Candy
awesome giveaway…
People who overcome obstacles such as poverty, homelessness, depression, or disabilities inspire me to keep trying to reach my goals. I look to those people as examples of bravery and perseverance.
My parents inspire me to be a great mom & to always be there for my family!
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Tweeted
https://mobile.twitter.com/saverang/status/754174917680123904
[email protected]
https://twitter.com/Candypo/status/754089081672531968
I am inspired by people like Jane Goodall.I love and admire anyone who can make an animals life better. I will protect them at all cost. I shelter elderly cats, that have nowhere to go. This is like a retirement home for cats. We take into consideration that most of them have no teeth, so we feed soft canned cat food. We have ramps, ladders, steps, etc. since they don’t have the agility to jump up and down. We even have one on high blood pressure medication. Lots of medical problems, and a ton of sadness on my part when they pass. But it is truly a great place for them until the end.
My daughter inspires me everyday. I want the best for her and I love working hard so I can offer her a better future. Thanks for the chance to win such an amazing giveaway.
My inspiration is my mom. She is the oldest of 11 children. She was a stay at home mom until I was in school full time. (I am the youngest of 5) I’ve never known her to not be working. When I was little, it was around the house and the yard. As I got older she had different jobs. A few years ago we almost lost her when she fell and broke a couple ribs which punctured her lung. She made it through but she isn’t as strong as she was.
Other passionate and positive people inspire me daily. I get inspired when I read stories of people overcoming hardships to triumph. I can’t make excuses or think that it is impossible to do. I feel most inspired when I meet someone who is positive no matter the circumstances.
https://twitter.com/Candypo/status/754089081672531968 retweeted as @marleykristin
who my aunt debbie she lost paw paw when she was 16 she got real bad depressed and she still became a sunday school teacher moved in to aunt anns house to help her cause she has ms and now is in a wheel chair and has always been there for me not for anything in particular just to talk and she will listen and not judge she is amazing person i love her dealy for that and i have always looked for her for answers and i admire her
My kids inspire me! I try my best to set a good example for them. I want them to help make the world a better place! Thanks for the chance!
My husband inspires me. He works so hard for so little. Doesn’t expect anything in return but we owe him everything. He has fought for our freedom
And fortunately has returned back to me every time. I don’t for a second take that for granted. And when he retires from the military he wants to join the police force. In today’s events you can imagine how scary that is. So for that reason I chose my husband as the person who inspires me.
My mother inspires me. She got married at 18 and had 3 kids right away so she was never able to attend college. When she was in her 40’s she decided she wanted to be a nurse and she made that dream come true! She always worked in pediatrics and loved her job! She retired 2 years ago and is enjoying retirement life with my dad now!
My dad inspires me a lot. He is a simple man and very hardworking. He worked so hard and even more just to get me and 6 of my brothers and sisters finish college. So now, I try my best to accomplish what he did, juggle mom duties + work at home to help my husband with the bills.
What inspires me? I would have to say it is my kids. Our life is not easy and we have had our share of heartaches with addictions and such. My kids help me to stay on track and not get discouraged. They have been through so much so when I see their strengths and courage to face day after day, I know things will be fine.
My MIL who is now 95 years old, worked hard loved her God and family
https://twitter.com/mkjmc/status/757910250485841920
People who have worked hard to overcome adversity inspire me. Victory is even sweeter when you know you have earned it by your own hard work.
my dad inspires me, he goes and help and does for people and has so many good friends that help others, I want to be more like him
retweeted-lmurley2014
My inspiration is my mom. She has had some major health issues but she hasn’t given up. A few years ago we almost lost her. The doctor even suggested we pull the plug. I am so thankful we didn’t. She shows me every day how to be strong.