A common desire for Olympic success and brotherly friendship prompted former BYU teammates Conner Mantz and Clayton Young to secure their seats in the 2024 Paris Olympics by taking the top two positions in Orlando’s Olympic Marathon Trial. The duo had been primed for this momentous occasion by months of intense training under the direction of BYU’s cross-country coach Ed Eyestone.

Following the race, when the American champions were celebrating their win, Mantz revealed something surprising regarding Young’s fated ticket to Paris. In the candid discussion, he also answered the burning question: What precisely happened in those last moments of the race?

Paris Olympics journey explained

In a post-race interview on Spotify’s ‘The CITIUS MAG Podcast with Chris Chavez’ podcast live from Orlando, Mantz gave listeners an intimate glimpse into the intricate workings of professional racing while showcasing the athletes’ friendly competition. Mantz highlighted Clayton’s outstanding form and confidence before the race. A sense of assurance permeated Mantz’s statement, “There was no way Clayton wasn’t gonna make the team.”

At the 2023 Chicago Marathon, the duo finished in consecutive spots of sixth and seventh overall. Their runtime came in at 2:07:47 and 2:08:00 which was the fourth and seventh fastest times ever set by Americans. And once again in Saturday’s trials, the 27-year-old men’s marathon champion clocked 2:09:05 while Clayton Young finished the same race just one second after him.

Beyond personal glory, Mantz and Young are the first Utahns to qualify for the Olympic marathon. Their coach, Ed Eyestone, accomplished this twice: in 1988 and 1992. Later, Jared Ward carried on the legacy in 2016. The four of them are proud residents of Utah, former BYU runners making their wins significant to the alumni. Meanwhile, much anticipation met with upset when some American veteran marathoners failed to secure their Olympic spots.

U.S. Olympic trials fallout

During the trials, seasoned runners like Scott Fauble, Galen Rupp, and Sam Chelanga met with unexpected exits on their way to Paris. Although it was anticipated that their background would present a difficulty for the less experienced competitors, the truth was otherwise. Reigning champion, Galen Rupp, had to settle for a difficult 16th-place finish after Fauble and Chelanga withdrew.

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Although Leonard Korir finished in third place, his timing was not fast enough to qualify for the Olympics. But there’s still a chance Korir can make it through the World rankings or other marathons that happen within the qualifying timeframe. With the Olympic marathon in Paris fast approaching, the stage is set for an incredible competition.

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