Conner and Kylie Mantz’s journey has been one of inspiration, perseverance, and now, a new chapter—parenthood. The couple, known for their deep connection to running, is taking a temporary pause from competitive athletics as they prepare to welcome their first child, a baby boy.
### **A Love Story Built on Running**
Conner Mantz, a former BYU track star and Olympian, has long been a dominant force in distance running. His dedication to the sport and relentless training inspired his wife, Kylie, to take up running herself. Despite not competing in high school, Kylie embraced the challenge, eventually walking on to the BYU track team [A](https://www.deseret.com/sports/2025/04/22/conner-mantz-inspired-wife-kylie-mantz-to-take-up-running-byu/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ4djhvZFlSSHhkdTJmOTFBRWZNalgiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibTFVcWlmQ3R6b0NDaTdtRzU4c1ZnIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmRlc2VyZXQuY29tXC9zcG9ydHNcLzIwMjVcLzA0XC8yMlwvY29ubmVyLW1hbnR6LWluc3BpcmVkLXdpZmUta3lsaWUtbWFudHotdG8tdGFrZS11cC1ydW5uaW5nLWJ5dVwvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Her journey from casual runner to collegiate athlete was fueled by her admiration for Conner’s discipline and her desire to understand the physical and mental demands of elite competition.
Kylie’s transformation into a competitive runner was remarkable. She joined BYU’s club track team in 2023 and later earned a spot on the official roster. Her first collegiate meet, the Bryan Clay Invitational, saw her complete the 5,000 meters in an impressive 17:19 [A](https://www.deseret.com/sports/2025/04/22/conner-mantz-inspired-wife-kylie-mantz-to-take-up-running-byu/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ4djhvZFlSSHhkdTJmOTFBRWZNalgiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibTFVcWlmQ3R6b0NDaTdtRzU4c1ZnIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmRlc2VyZXQuY29tXC9zcG9ydHNcLzIwMjVcLzA0XC8yMlwvY29ubmVyLW1hbnR6LWluc3BpcmVkLXdpZmUta3lsaWUtbWFudHotdG8tdGFrZS11cC1ydW5uaW5nLWJ5dVwvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Her rapid progress was a testament to her determination and the support she received from Conner.
### **A New Chapter: Parenthood**
Now, the couple is shifting their focus from training schedules and race strategies to preparing for the arrival of their baby boy. Kylie, who balanced her running career with student-teaching, has decided to step away from competition temporarily to embrace motherhood [A](https://www.deseret.com/sports/2025/04/22/conner-mantz-inspired-wife-kylie-mantz-to-take-up-running-byu/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ4djhvZFlSSHhkdTJmOTFBRWZNalgiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoibTFVcWlmQ3R6b0NDaTdtRzU4c1ZnIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmRlc2VyZXQuY29tXC9zcG9ydHNcLzIwMjVcLzA0XC8yMlwvY29ubmVyLW1hbnR6LWluc3BpcmVkLXdpZmUta3lsaWUtbWFudHotdG8tdGFrZS11cC1ydW5uaW5nLWJ5dVwvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). While she has expressed excitement about this new phase, she remains passionate about running and hopes to return to the track in the future.
For Conner, the transition to fatherhood is equally exciting. Having competed at the highest levels, including the Olympic Marathon Trials and the Boston Marathon, he understands the importance of discipline and endurance—not just in running, but in life. As they prepare for their son’s arrival, Conner and Kylie are embracing the challenges and joys of parenthood with the same determination they bring to their sport.
### **Looking Ahead**
Though Kylie is stepping away from competition for now, her journey serves as an inspiration to many. Her story highlights the power of perseverance and the importance of pursuing dreams, even when the path is unconventional. As she and Conner prepare to welcome their baby, they remain deeply connected to the running community and committed to their shared passion.
Fans and supporters of the Mantz family will undoubtedly be eager to see what the future holds for them. Whether it’s a return to competitive running or new adventures in parenthood, one thing is certain—their story is far from over.
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