Manzano wrapped in Olympic flag flap

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Just days after claiming the Silver medal in the Men’s 1,500 meters at the London 2012 Olympics, former Longhorn Leo Manzano’s victory celebration has touched a nerve.

In an editorial on CNN.com, contributor and syndicated Washington Post columnist Ruben Navarrette Jr., called out Manzano for holding up both an American and Mexican flag.

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“It's about being part of a team -- the U.S. Olympic team," Navarette wrote. "It's about national pride, not ego. Manzano wasn't there to compete for himself but to represent his country. All he had to do was decide which country that was. He chose not to choose."

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Manzano, 27, was born in Mexico and brought here to the United States illegally as a child.

He eventually became a U.S. citizen and now represents his home of Marble Falls, which eagerly and enthusiastically watched Manzano win the first medal in the 1,500 meters for Team USA in 44 years.

Afterwards, Manzano told reporters how thrilled he was to represent the people and places he has called home over the years.

"I am honored and excited to represent both the United States and Mexico by earning this silver," Manzano said. "Standing on the podium has been a dream of mine and I share it proudly with my family, friends, coaches and all my supporters from Austin, Marble Falls, and Granite Shoals, Texas as well as Dolores Hidalgo, Mexico."

Manzano has told KXAN Sports he is staying overseas until September for other competitions, before returning home.