BIO //
Born and raised in North Carolina, Manteo attended Crest Sr. High in Shelby before competing for Western Carolina University, where he graduated with a degree in Sport Management and a MAED in Comprehensive Physical Education. While at WCU, Manteo broke and still holds the school record for the 200 and 400 Meters, and aspires to break the 400 Meter World Record. The person you see on the track is the same off the track, always with an infectious smile and a love for fun. Manteo is very family-oriented and balances his training and philanthropy with interests in fashion and singing.
Manteo's most famous moment to date came while competing in the 4x400 preliminary race at the 2012 London Olympic Games, during which he suffered a broken leg. Manteo not only finished the race, but aided Team USA to the fastest relay time ever in an Olympic prelim and an eventual silver medal. Having grown up in a small town with drugs and violence around him everyday, adversity was not new to Manteo, which he uses to inspire through his motivational speaking engagements and philanthropic involvement.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU //
My biggest inspiration has to be my son, Khi. It’s crazy to think that a kid could push you to be or want to be and give your very best effort in all endeavors. I am forever blessed for his presence in my life.
HOW DO YOU "RUN THE DAY?" //
"Accomplishing set goals, and just simply living out my life as it comes. Inspiring others and being a bad-ass at everything I take on! Society has this 'thing' where people have to or should be something other than themselves. Why? You’re the ONLY you available… be that!"
QUOTE //
II Timothy 8 4:7 — “For I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
FOLLOW MANTEO // @manteomitchell
Photos by @brenphotography