A Proud Olympian Honored in Crestview by Okaloosa County America 250 Commission
By Barbara Palmgren
There is an old adage that “in each life, some rain must fall.” On May 9, after careful planning for a memorable parade in Crestview to honor the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the predicted rains did just that and soaked all of Okaloosa County.
The City of Crestview made the postponement decision on Wednesday, May 6, and Chairman Graham W. Fountain announced the postponement after the decision was affirmed by a unanimous vote of the present members of the Okaloosa County America 250 Commission on Thursday, May 7. The parade will be rescheduled for the fall.
That being said, Mia Manganello, the parade’s grand marshal, was still going to be celebrated — in a drier location, of course. Mia, who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, was in town to join the anniversary celebration. At 11 a.m. at The Loft on Main Street in Crestview, Mia was recognized for her Olympic achievements, her loyalty to Crestview and for being an inspiration to area youth.
One photo shows Mia with officers of the America 250 Commission: J.D. Peacock II, Graham W. Fountain and Mitzie Henley. Another photo includes Crestview Mayor J.B. Whitten.
Mia Manganello grew up in Crestview. Her parents, Dominic and Karen, owned an Italian restaurant named after her, Mia’s Italian Restaurant. While attending Walker Elementary School, she began inline skating at age 8. When her feet first touched ice, Mia knew what her goal would be. Her loving and motivated parents were ready for the challenge as well. In 2002, following the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, her father drove her to Utah to attend an ice speed skating camp.
And the rest is — yes, there is more to the story. Even after taking a break from skating and competing internationally as a professional cyclist, her love for the ice drew her back to speed skating. In 2016, at the U.S. National Championships, she won the 3,000-meter race with a personal best and a national title.
In 2018, the City of Crestview held a ceremony at Warriors Hall and declared “Mia Manganello Day,” presenting her with a key to the city.
Six years after that day at Warriors Hall, Mia, at 36 years old, won the bronze medal in the mass start speed skating event at the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. Mia is the first American to win an Olympic medal in the mass start event. She is a three-time Olympian and a two-time bronze medalist in long-track speed skating.
Team USA, the City of Crestview and Okaloosa County can all be proud of this outstanding athlete. During this anniversary year of the Declaration of Independence, the county and the nation once again extend thanks and honor to Mia Manganello — an inspiration to us all.
