In the Community

Charitable Activities

In addition to competing for USA Track & Field, Leo enjoys giving back to the community; a community that has been very kind to Leo and his family following their life-altering decision to move from Mexico to the United States in 1988. Since graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, Leo has poured his passion into reaching out to the community, specifically to local youth, through health and fitness programs. In 2010, he created The Manzano Mile.

MANZANO MILE

The Manzano Mile is a fun-run style track meet consisting of the individual mile and mile relay events. The popular family event is open to ages 10 and up, with children 9 and under granted free registration. This event provides Leo an opportunity to personally interact with the community and promote the sport of running. As well, Leo donates a portion of the proceeds from the event to the Austin Community Foundation in support of youth programs.

Community Partners

The Texas Heart Institute
Leo is proud to be an Ambassador for heart health through his partnership with the world-renowned Texas Heart Institute (THI). Cardiovascular disease is the #1 natural killer of men, women, and children in the U.S. and throughout the world. The mission of the Texas Heart Institute is to reduce the devastating toll of cardiovascular disease through innovative and progressive programs in research, education, and improved patient care.

Leo is an athlete blessed with superior aerobic capacity and endurance; he knows that a healthy heart is at the core of his athletic success. Not everyone has his gifts, but he believes there are small steps anyone can take to improve their heart health and that of their families. He also believes it is very important to provide young people with a healthy start in life.

As a Texas Heart Institute Ambassador, Leo works with THI doctors and staff to customize health and fitness messages for key audiences, including fitness tips for children and Spanish language communications targeted to the Hispanic population

Leo is determined to make a difference and is grateful to have such a wonderful partner in the Texas Heart Institute. For more information on cardiovascular disease, or to take your own heart health risk assessment test or to support THI’s life-saving programs, please visit: http://www.texasheartinstitute.org. For the younger crowd, THI offers children the opportunity to train like an Olympian with Leo in the 7-Day Healthy Heart Challenge for Kids, and learn about nutrition, fitness and heart health with fun online games through THI’s Project Heart.

Appearances

Leo channels his community activity through the Manzano Mile, Team USA responsibilities and his role as Ambassador for the Texas Heart Institute.  His extensive training, travel, and racing schedule along with other professional and family obligations greatly limit his availability.  Despite his heart’s desire, Leo is unable to consider appearance requests at this time.   We sincerely thank you for the interest and encourage you to check this site again in the fall of 2013 for updated information.