Close Friends, Competing for Coveted Olympic Spots. Who Would Make It?

Credit...Russel Daniels for The New York TimesConner Mantz and Clayton Young had run side by side for more than 10,000 miles. Both vied for a place in the marathon at the Paris Games.

Credit...Russel Daniels for The New York Times

Talya Minsberg reported from Provo, Utah, and interviewed the Young and Mantz families, coaches and teammates.

May 8, 2024

Conner Mantz’s arms were shaking as he warmed up for the Olympic marathon trials in Orlando in February.

Mr. Mantz, 27, of Provo, Utah, looked over to his close friend, Clayton Young, who was stretching next to him. The two men had run more than 10,000 miles together. They had raced for the same prize money, fought for the same spots on the podium…