Local athlete shows off skills in Rome

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Neighbors | Submitted.Mannozzi is known as ”The Italian Stallion of USA Track and Field.”  He is pictured here racing in Italy, the country where his namesake originates.

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Neighbors | Submitted.The athelet visited Mannozzi Ristorante and Pizzaria in Italy, which is owned by his distant relatives.

Youngstown and Boardman native Michael Mannozzi earned his ticket to Rome to compete in the World Race Walking Team Championships on Feb. 21 in Santee, Calif. when he finished third at the USA Track and Field Olympic Trials for the 50k Race Walk, bettering the qualifying time of 4 hours and 35 minutes.

This was Mannozzi’s fifth time donning the red, white and blue as a member of the USA National team. The trip was also something of a homecoming for Mannozzi as his family emigrated from Le Marche, Italy. One of his highlights was a visit to Ristorante Mannozzi in Rome, a restaurant owned by distant cousins.

Mannozzi and his teammates were also part of a Papal Audience during their visit to the Vatican.

Mannozzi was one 21 Americans named to the USA Team, and one of two from Ohio. Five races took place over the weekend of May 7-8 involving the best race walkers in the world. Five Americans represented the USA in the 50k (31.1 miles) race.

This marked the first time a woman competed at the 50k in a worldwide competition. Erin Taylor-Talcott of Owego, N.Y. has been pushing for gender parity in race walking. The 50k is still a men-only event at the World Track and Field Championships and Olympic Games.

The 50k event included multiple world and Olympic Champions within the 65 starters. The event started in front of the Arch of Alexander and finished in a track stadium named Terme di Caracalla.

This event was the final opportunity for Nick Christie (El Cajon, Calif.) and Mannozzi to chase the Olympic qualifying standard. Christie was on pace through 30K, before slowing with stomach issues. He finished 35th in a time of 4:24.55 and was followed by Steven Washburn (a dual citizen from Sydney, Australia) in 4:28.20 and 36th place. Mannozzi was 37th, overall, and the third American and final point scorer for the US team in 4:39.33. Taylor-Talcott finished 40th in 4:51.08 and Ian Whatley of Greer, S.C., the eldest competitor in the competition, suffered a disqualification on his 56th birthday. The USA 50k team finished seventh in the World.

Mannozzi will also compete at the 20K Olympic Trials in Salem, Ore. on June 30.

Mannozzi is grateful to his many sponsors and supporters who have helped his athletic progress. Some local sponsors are Achilles Running Shop, Outdoor Recreational Equipment of Boardman, Boardman Pizza Joes, Advanced Chiropractic, Classic Tent and Party Rental and Youngstown Sate University for the use of the WATT’s Facility, as well as many supporters throughout the Valley.

Mannozzi also thanks USA Track and Field for for sponsoring the team’s travel to this event and provided a great team staff.

If you are interested in learning more about Mannozzi, check out his website at https://www.athletebiz.us/michael-mannozzi.