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James McLeay - World U20 Athletics Championship

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James McLeay travelled to Peru in August 2024 to compete in the World U20 Athletics Championships, and South Africa for the World Secondary School Cross Country Championships.

James McLeay

In August I had the opportunity to compete at the World U20s Athletics Championship. The Championship was held in Peru, South America. Travelling with the New Zealand team was an unreal experience, and as usual we had some good banter with the Aussies. 

In the 1500m heat, I found myself in a sprint-off with a Kenyan athlete for one of the five qualifying spots. I managed to dip him at the line, securing my place in the final. My time was a personal best 3,45.12.

A couple days later, I stepped into a packed stadium at night, ready to race the final. The final itself was a tough affair. I finished 14th overall and was the 6th schoolboy across the line.  

With another 2 years in this grade I'm looking forward to the opportunity of competing against the best again. I’m very grateful for the experience and all the support I received to get there. 

This confirmed my No 1 ranking U20 in NZ for 1500. 


SBS Bank Academy Southland article: Click here


World Secondary School Cross Country Championships 

Earlier this year I was selected in the NZ Secondary Schools Cross Country Team. 

In the build-up to the competition our NZ Schools teams had a training camp in Potchefstroom, South Africa. The aim was to adjust to the altitude that we would face come competition day in Kenya. 

Throughout our time there we went on a couple safaris seeing some amazing wildlife as well as adventuring on a few waterpark missions. A few boys got sick after cleaning their teeth with the water on day one, the first thing we got told not to do. I also cleaned my teeth with the water, however I got lucky with no issues. 

Come race day it was hot and humid, but we were prepared and ran well. Contributing to the NZ teams points, we placed 5th overall in the teams event and I placed 27th individually. Overall it was an unreal experience with a great group of people.

Photo courtesy of SBS Bank Academy Southland