Manteo Mitchell Biography
Manteo Mitchell (born July 6, 1987) is an American sprinter and Bobsledder who competes in the 200m, 400m, and 4 × 400 m relay. He was a member of the USA team that won the gold medal in the Men's 4×400 metres relay at the 2012 IAAF World Indoor Championships. He now competes in a new sport, Bobsled, where he is seeking to make history, becoming only the 7th person in history to medal in both the Summer and Winter Olympics. This feat would also make him the first African American male to claim this rare honor.
Early life
Mitchell was born in Shelby, North Carolina to Dianna Ellis. He attended Crest High School, being named all-conference, all-region, and all-state his junior and senior years. He then enrolled at Western Carolina University on an athletic scholarship, setting school records in the 400m, 4 × 100 m relay, and 4 × 400 m relay. Mitchell also led the Catamounts to 5 indoor and outdoor championships, being named the MVP multiple years.
Professional career
At the 2012 United States Olympic Trials, Mitchell qualified for the Olympic team by finishing fifth in the 400 metres with a time of 44.96, which qualified him to run in the 4x400 metres relay as a member of the U.S. relay team. At the 2012 Summer Olympics held in London, Mitchell ran the first leg of the heat for the 4x400 metres relay and revealed afterwards that he broke his left fibula at the 200m mark. Despite this, Manteo finished his lap and clocked a time of 45.7, and the American team was able to qualify for the final. Mitchell later earned a silver medal after the American team placed second in the final.
He is also a bobsledder for Team USA, seeking to become just the 7th person in history and first African American male to medal in both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.
Personal life
Mitchell currently resides in Asheville, North Carolina. He has one son, Khi Avery, born in 2012.
Personal bests
- 100 m: 10.04 s (wind: -0.1:m/s) – Cullowhee, North Carolina 2010
- 200 m: 20.20 s (wind: +1.7:m/s) – Eugene, Oregon 2012
- 400 m: 44.96 s – Eugene, Oregon, 2012
References
External links
- Manteo Mitchell at World Athletics
