Boardman native Mike Mannozzi competed in his third Olympic Trials last weekend, this time in the 20k racewalk, finishing in 12th place in a field of 16 runners in Springfield, Oregon.
      Mannozzi posted a time of 1:44.35 in the 12.4-mile race, well behind the winner, Nick Christie, who claimed the top spot in a time of 1:30.48.
      Mannozzi’s time was his fastest time in the 20k since 2016 and at 35-years-old and now a chaplain’s assistant in the U.S. Air Force, says he is not done racewalking.
      “I am going to keep trying. I exceeded my expectations and hope to compete in the Air Force marathon this fall,” Mannozzi said, adding “I’m 35-years-old now, and I’m not stopping. I’m not done yet.”
      Mannozzi started the 20k event in last place for the first three laps, and then moved up passing three competitors in the field to finish in 12th.
      A 2005 graduate of Boardman High School, Mannozzi graduated from Notre Dame College in 2011, with a bachelor of arts degree in special education. While at the school he was the 2010 NAIA national racewalking champion surging from last place to the top spot in the final lap of the race.
      In 2012 he competed in his first Olympic Trials, in both the 20k and 50k racewalking events, finishing in fifth place in the 20k and in ninth place in the 50k.
      In 2016 he claimed a bronze medal in the 50k Trials.
      He is the son of Marilyn and Brian McGowan, of Erskine Ave.; and the late James Mannozzi.
      At this year’s Trials, he was the only enlisted service corps member in all of the competition.
      20K Racewalk, 2021 Olympic Trials Results
      1, Nick Christie, unattached 1:30:48. 2, Daniel Nehnevaj, Raleigh Walkers, 1:31:59. 3, Emmanuel Corvera, NYAC, 1:34:38. 4, Steven Smith, unattached, 1:35:54. 4, Steven Smith, unattached, 1:35:54. 5, Anthony Joseph Gruttadauro, Shore AC, 1:37:51. 6, Samuel Allen, Shore AC, 1:37:59. 7, Bricyn Healey, unattached, 1:38:18. 8, Jordan Crawford, Legacy Athletics, 1:39:45. 9, Joel Pfahler, unattached, 1:42:48. 10, Pablo Gomez, Tracksmith, 1:43:40. 11, Carson Johnson, Cumberland College, 1:43:49. 12, Michael Mannozzi, U.S. Air Force, 1:44:35. 13, Benjamin Hofstra, Cornerstone University, 1:46:23. 14, Allen James, So Cal TC, 1:47:25. 15, Anthony Peters, Raleigh Walkers, 1:47:40.
     
      PICTURED: BOARDMAN NATIVE Mike Mannozzi competed in his third Olympic Trials last weekend in Springfield, Oregon, and finished in 12th place in the 20k racewalk.