• Southland middle-distance runner James McLeay has been selected in the New Zealand team for the world schools cross country championships next year.

The prospect of racing with his mates in a black singlet at a world championships in Kenya feels almost too good to be true for Southland athlete James McLeay.

The Southland Boys’ High School Year 12 student and SBS Bank Academy Southland athlete has been selected in the New Zealand team for the World International School Sport Federation secondary schools cross country championships in May, 2024.

While the event title is a mouthful, it’s also something to savour for the talented middle-distance runner.

“I’ve always wanted this experience, I’ve got a couple of really good mates in the team and travelling with them is going to be great,” James said.

“It’s something that you train for and it’s good that all the hard work has paid off.”

Making the trip to Kenya, considered by many to be the spiritual home of cross country running, even more special is James’ strong interest in animals, with the teenager hoping to experience a safari as part of his trip to Nairobi.

James, who is coached locally by Lance Smith, impressed off-road and on the track over the past season to earn a spot in the national team, with more of the same scheduled between now and May.

“We’ll just try and keep me performing as well as I can, while knowing that I’m only 17 and I don’t want to burn out from doing too much. It’s about being consistent and focusing on enjoying it - which I do, I love the track season.”

James has always been a runner, but fell for the sport after doing well at an interprovincial meet in Christchurch in his early teens.

He doesn’t believe he’s blessed with natural speed, but isn’t afraid to develop his talents patiently through hard work and dedication.

“I’m lucky to have some pretty good genetics, my uncle (Glenn) was an Olympic cyclist and Dad was pretty good, but I think the biggest factor is just working hard. I enjoy running, but racing is my favourite part…I enjoy the competition, I love racing.”

As James prepares for next year’s altitude and heat in Nairobi, he’ll draw on advice from New Zealand middle-distance runner Sam Tanner.

James has spent time in camp with Tanner, and looks up to the Olympic and world championships representative.

“He’s a really humble guy, which is pretty cool, and he’s running really well. He’s talked to me about really enjoying the sport. He’s got a really enthusiastic attitude and he’s passionate about it, which is something you need to do well.”

Article added: Monday 25 September 2023