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Leo Merle

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Leo Merle
Personal information
Full nameLeo Merle VI
Born (1998-01-14) January 14, 1998 (age 26)[1]
Home townFolsom, California, U.S.
EducationUniversity of California, Santa Cruz
University of Michigan
Sport
SportParalympic athletics
DisabilityCerebral palsy
Disability classT38
EventMiddle-distance running
Medal record
Track and field
Representing the  United States
Parapan American Games
Gold medal – first place 2023 Santiago 1500 m T38

Leo Merle VI (born January 14, 1998) is an American Paralympic middle-distance runner. He will represent the United States at the 2024 Summer Paralympics.

Early life and education

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Merle was born with cerebral palsy that affects the flexibility in his right foot and leg. He wore a corrective boot to stretch the tendons of his right leg so they would develop properly and maintain their flexibility until he was six years old.[2] He attended Vista Del Lago High School where he ran cross country and track and field.[3] He attended University of California, Santa Cruz and earned a Bachelor of Science in molecular, cellular and developmental biology. He then attended the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and earned a doctorate of dental surgery.[4]

Career

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Merle began his career in long-distance running, participating in the 5000 metres and 10,000 metres events. After learning that his T38 classification maxed out at 1500 metres, he transitioned to middle-distance running.[5]

He made his international debut for the United States at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships in the 1500 metres T38 event, and finished in fourth place with a personal best time of 4:06.13.[6] In November 2023, he then competed at the 2023 Parapan American Games and won a gold medal in the 1500 metres T38 event with a time of 4:12.62.[7][8]

In May 2024, he represented the United States at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships in the 1500 metres T38 event, and finished in fourth place with a time of 4:07.47.[9] In July 2024, during the U.S. Paralympic team trials, he qualified to represent the United States at the 2024 Summer Paralympics.[10][11]

Personal life

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Following the Paralympics, Merle intends to become a dental professional, specializing in endodontics and becoming a root canal specialist.[4]

References

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  1. ^ "Leo Merle". olympics.org. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  2. ^ "Student Profile: Leo Merle nears the finish line for dental school with another goal – improving on his world-class success as a para athlete in the 1,500-meter run". University of Michigan. August 14, 2023. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  3. ^ "Leo Merle". goslugs.com. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  4. ^ a b Zain, Haneen (July 3, 2024). "Crafting smiles and setting records on the track: An alumnus's unique dual-pursuit". NCAA.org. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  5. ^ Wilson, Ryan (February 1, 2024). "Balancing Running And Dentistry Helps Leo Merle Excel In Both Pursuits". usparatf.org. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  6. ^ Zain, Haneen (August 20, 2024). "Leo Merle: On track". University of California, Santa Cruz. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  7. ^ "United States Wins Gold in the T38 1,500 Meters track". santiago2023.org. November 21, 2023. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  8. ^ Zain, Haneen (November 27, 2023). "UCSC Alumnus Leo Merle wins Gold for Team USA at the 2023 Parapan American Games". University of California, Santa Cruz. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  9. ^ Gowdy, Kristen (May 25, 2024). "Team USA Secures Five Medals as Kobe 2024 Comes to a Close". usparatf.org. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  10. ^ Gowdy, Kristen (July 21, 2024). "Fifty-four Athletes Nominated to U.S. Paralympic Track & Field Team". usparatf.org. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  11. ^ "Recent dental school grad Leo Merle to compete in 2024 Paralympics in Paris". University of Michigan. July 24, 2024. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
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