It was third time lucky and Southland middle distance runner James McLeay wasn’t about to let the opportunity slip.

James has returned from the Australian national track and field championships with a bronze medal in the under 20 men’s 1500m, a great finish to his 2023/24 track season.

After missing out on the past two Australian championships because of two badly-timed bouts of Covid, the Southland Boys’ High School student was rapt to finally get to take his chance in the biggest athletics meet he’s been part of.

“It was really cool to make it over there - third time lucky. My family are Australian and it was the first time my Grandma was able to watch me racing on tv on Aussie soil because she lives over there.”

Knowing his grandmother Jenny was watching the racing live on television was just another motivating factor for James, who qualified third fastest from his heat before earning a bronze in the final.

“In the heat it was about responding to any moves that were made. I was boxed in with a few hundred metres to go, but I managed to get out and make a move. In the final, it was about being adaptable and giving it a crack and enjoying it.”

The New Zealand 1500m champion finished second in the final, but while the Kiwis dominated the podium they weren’t eligible for championships medals so had to share the dais with the Australians.

There isn’t much of a break for James as he sets his sights on the World International School Sport Federation secondary schools cross country championships in Kenya in a few weeks’ time.

“I’m really looking forward to this year. There are some exciting opportunities coming up and I’m looking forward to all of them,” he said.

Article added: Thursday 18 April 2024