By sportswriter Cheryl Lowe

Albuquerque, New Mexico (February 4, 2010)-Lee Emanuel  saw an opportunity, and went for it with determination and the vision that he was going to run the fastest mid-distance races he has ever run in his life.

Emanuel, who is currently working on a Master’s degree in Physical Education transferred to University of New Mexico in 2007 after finishing his undergraduate degree at Sheffield Hallam University in Sheffield, United Kingdom. Before he arriving in the United States, Emanuel saw the need for a change in his running routine, and ultimately, his career.

He certainly changed since training at high altitude in Albuquerque, NM.

The two-time All-American’s rapid rise to the top of the NCAA podium within the past two seasons has provided him with an NCAA bronze medal in the 1500m, Mountain West Conference honors, UNM school records, and the Mt. Sac Relays meet record in the outdoor 1500m (3:37.99 PB).

Emanuel is the first Lobo since 1977 to win a gold medal at an NCAA meet in 2009, where he won the indoor mile title in 4:00.36 at the NCAA Indoor National Championship meet at Texas A&M University.

PreRaceJitters’ Cheryl Lowe talks with Lee about his career in the United States, and what is ahead for him in 2010.

PRJ: You have had a lot of success over the last couple years –rewriting the Lobo record books, winning a NCAA individual title, and earning all-American honors. What is the most important lesson you learned last season?

LE: I have learned to always believe in myself. When I came over to the NCAA, during my first year I was kind of in awe of my opponents. In that year Leo Manzano was seen as being untouchable and I kind of bought into that. In my second year I thought to myself I need to step up and start believing I could do what Leo did.

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