CRESTVIEW — Two-time Olympic medalist and speed skater Mia Manganello returned to Crestview for Walmart’s grand opening, reflecting on the support that helped her reach the Olympics and what she hopes to do next.
Manganello was born and raised in Crestview, but moved to Salt Lake City to support her skating ambitions. When they needed work to help support that dream, she said, Walmart was there for them – providing a job for her dad.
“Walmart has been there for us for sure,” Manganello said, adding that the company’s support meant a great deal to her family.
Now, she said, she feels a strong desire to give back. She is looking for volunteer opportunities and working in hospitality, where she enjoys the chance to help customers have a better day.
Asked what advice she would offer aspiring Olympians, Manganello said to dream big and keep pursuing the goal. She also emphasized the importance of building relationships and finding a community.
“If you have a dream or a goal,” she said, “one of your first thoughts … is to network, make friends, find groups, communities that are within that realm that you want to be in.”
Manganello said reaching the Olympics was not something she accomplished alone: it took an entire community to help her get there.
During the interview, she also reflected on the surreal feeling of having a day named in her honor in Crestview and shared lighter memories from years of traveling for competition—including her carefully arranged, pillow-filled hotel-bed setup.
After the interview, Manganello greeted guests and posed for photos at the event.
