Updated: February 22, 2026
Mia Manganello (now known as Mia Manganello Kilburg or Mia Kilburg) has captured hearts worldwide as a powerhouse American speed skater. With an incredible career spanning inline skating, professional cycling, and three Winter Olympics—including fresh bronze medals in 2018 (team pursuit) and just recently in 2026 (individual mass start)—fans are naturally curious about her personal life. One of the top searches right now? “Mia Manganello husband.”
In this post, we’ll dive into who her husband is, how they met, and how their partnership supports her high-stakes athletic journey. Let’s explore the supportive side of this Olympic story.
Table of Contents
Who Is Mia Manganello’s Husband?
Mia Manganello is happily married to Craig Kilburg, a respected neurosurgeon based in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The couple tied the knot in 2018, right around the time Mia was making her Olympic debut in Pyeongchang, where she helped secure Team USA’s first-ever bronze in the women’s team pursuit. Since then, she’s often referred to professionally as Mia Kilburg or Mia Manganello-Kilburg, reflecting this meaningful chapter in her life.
Craig brings a completely different world to the table—he’s in the high-pressure field of brain and spine surgery. Yet, the two form what Mia playfully calls a “power couple” in interviews. He’s described as kind, supportive, and genuinely thrilled by her achievements. Their relationship highlights how opposites can complement each other beautifully: her life on the ice and bike, his in the operating room.
- Key details about Craig Kilburg:
- Profession: Neurosurgeon (affiliated with practices like Mayfield Brain & Spine)
- Met Mia: In Salt Lake City (while he was studying or working at the University of Utah area)
- Marriage year: 2018
- Current base: Cincinnati, Ohio (Mia relocated there post-competition seasons)
Their story adds a relatable, grounded layer to Mia’s high-profile athletic career.
How Did Mia Manganello and Craig Kilburg Meet?
The couple’s romance blossomed in Salt Lake City, the heart of U.S. speed skating training.
Mia had deep ties to the city—her family uprooted from Florida when she was a teen so she could pursue skating dreams after falling in love with the sport during a camp. Craig was in the area during his medical training or early career.
They connected amid the whirl of global competitions and training cycles. Mia has shared how supportive Craig has been through injuries, comebacks (including her switch from cycling back to skating), and multiple Olympic qualifications. In one profile, she emphasized how having a partner outside the sports bubble helps keep perspective and balance.
After her events, the pair settled in Cincinnati, where Mia trains off-ice (think sock-sliding on countertops for technique work) and enjoys downtime with their dog. It’s a sweet reminder that even elite athletes value normalcy and partnership.
Mia Manganello’s Family and Support System
Mia’s family has always been her rock, starting long before Craig entered the picture.
Her parents, Dominic and Karen Manganello, owned an Italian restaurant in Crestview, Florida, literally named after her—”Mia’s Italian Restaurant.” They sacrificed hugely: selling the business and moving the family to Salt Lake City when Mia was 13 to give her better training access after she discovered long-track speed skating.
That foundation of support carried into her marriage. Craig fits seamlessly into this close-knit circle—Mia often mentions how her husband, parents, and training teammates feel like family.
Here’s a quick overview of key personal info:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name (Married) | Mia Kilburg (née Manganello) |
| Husband | Craig Kilburg (Neurosurgeon) |
| Marriage Year | 2018 |
| Hometown (Birth) | Fort Walton Beach / Crestview, Florida |
| Current Residence | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| Parents | Dominic and Karen Manganello |
| Family Business (Past) | Mia’s Italian Restaurant (Florida) |
| Pet | Dog named Linguini |
| Olympic Appearances | 2018, 2022, 2026 (recently retired post-2026) |
This table captures the highlights that make her story so inspiring—family devotion, career pivots, and a solid personal life.
Why Mia’s Personal Life Matters to Fans
In a world obsessed with athletic stats, it’s refreshing to see the human side. Mia’s husband, Craig, represents the quiet strength behind her drive. While she’s out breaking barriers (becoming world No. 1 in mass start, winning her first individual Olympic medal in 2026 at age 36), he provides stability and love away from the spotlight.
Their partnership shows that success isn’t solo—it’s built on encouragement from loved ones.
Conclusion
Mia Manganello’s husband, Craig Kilburg, is more than just a name in her bio—he’s a key part of what keeps this three-time Olympian grounded and motivated. From Florida roots and family sacrifices to Olympic podiums and a neurosurgeon soulmate, Mia’s journey is proof that strong relationships fuel big dreams.
As she steps away from competition after her emotional 2026 bronze (a perfect cap to her career), fans can celebrate not just the medals, but the full, inspiring life she’s built. Congrats, Mia—and cheers to Craig for being the ultimate teammate off the ice!