- James McLeay reflects on a year of impressive achievements in middle-distance running.
- Representing New Zealand, McLeay had standout performances in Australia, Kenya, and Peru.
- A sub-four-minute mile is next on McLeay's list, with races lined up this summer.
James McLeay, a talented young middle-distance runner from Southland, has had an outstanding year in 2024. The Southland Boys’ High School and Academy Southland athlete has been collecting accolades and experiences, making his mark on the track in New Zealand and internationally.
In January, McLeay claimed his first New Zealand title at the 25th anniversary Potts Classic in Hastings, winning the under 20 men’s mile in 4 minutes 7 seconds. This impressive win was followed by a third-place finish in the Australian under 20 1500m championships in April.
May saw McLeay take on the world, representing New Zealand at the World Secondary Schools Cross Country Championships in Kenya, where he finished 27th in a strong field at the sport's spiritual home. His efforts helped the New Zealand team secure fifth place overall.
By August, McLeay was on the world stage again, competing at the World Under 20 Championships in Peru. He set a personal best of 3:45:12 in the 1500m heats, placing fifth, before finishing 14th in the final. Reflecting on his incredible year, McLeay said, “The last six months, if I look back on it I wouldn’t have expected all these opportunities. I’m just really stoked about it.”
For McLeay, 2024 has been about more than just results – it's also been a year of valuable learning. “I’ve learnt a lot, and lot of that has come through from the Academy, especially around how to fuel yourself with nutrition,” he said, recalling his experience in Peru, where he had to adapt to a new diet while avoiding potential pitfalls like drinking the local water.
Now, with his sights set on the New Zealand Secondary Schools Championships in December, McLeay is ready for his next challenge. “I’m definitely looking to do something good in Timaru. I just want to have a crack and do well.”
Another major goal for McLeay is to break the iconic four-minute mile barrier, a feat achieved by only one other Southlander, Alan Bunce. McLeay’s performances over the past year, including his 1500m run in Lima, have left him eager to take on this challenge. “I think I’m definitely capable of it if I get the right race. I’ll be doing my best and having a crack at that barrier,” he said.
With a strong year behind him and exciting opportunities ahead, McLeay is poised for even more success in the months to come.