PROVO, Utah — Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren and First Lady Jasmine Blackwater Nygren made a special stop on December 11 at the beloved BYU Creamery on Ninth for a memorable meet-up with two of the nation’s premier distance runners and Olympians, Connor Mantz and Clayton Young.
Mantz, who competes professionally for Nike, holds the American Marathon and Half Marathon records and is one of the most respected figures in American distance running. Young, a professional athlete for ASICS, is equally accomplished as a 2019 NCAA Champion and one of the fastest marathoners in U.S. history. Both are proud BYU alumni, longtime training partners, and world-class athletes preparing for the 2026 Boston Marathon.
Over homemade ice cream, the President and First Lady had an uplifting conversation with the athletes about their journeys, training discipline, and shared interest in building meaningful connections with Navajo communities. They also discussed the possibility of Mantz and Young visiting the Navajo Nation after Boston to meet young athletes and experience the strength of Navajo running culture firsthand.
“Running is deeply tied to Diné identity—rooted in tradition, discipline, prayer, and a powerful connection to the land,” said President Nygren. “For generations, Navajo people have run to greet the dawn and strengthen both body and spirit. Meeting with two of the nation’s strongest runners made this moment especially meaningful.”
The President and First Lady also enjoyed visiting with Sydney Benally, who stopped by before her basketball game that evening, further highlighting the pride, talent, and dedication of young Navajo athletes.
A special thank you to BYU leadership for accommodating President Nygren, First Lady Blackwater Nygren, and staff, and for helping facilitate this inspiring gathering at the Creamery.
This visit reflected connection, inspiration, and the shared spirit of running.
