What if? US Olympian Conner Mantz has his sights set on Boston Marathon podium

The 28-year-old is aiming to become the first American man to win the race since 2014. He says learning to take pressure off himself has helped his career

Every now and then, Conner Mantz allows his mind to drift back to the same stretch of last November's New York City Marathon.

Around 16 miles in, coming off the Queensborough Bridge into Manhattan, the lead pack accelerated. Mantz, starting to feel uncomfortable, let the other runners go.