Disappointment for young runner - again
“I’m gutted.... How can it happen again at exactly the same time a year later?”
By Lance Smith
Lightning doesn’t strike twice, so they say. How about Covid? The above headline was the heading for a news report exactly 12 months ago.
It was about James McLeay having to cancel his trip to the Australian Track & Field Championships at the last minute, thanks to Covid.
Well, it’s happened again. On the eve of departing for Australia for the championship high-quality 1500 and 800m races, McLeay tested positive. This was to be the finale of his athletic season, the conclusion of a season that saw a Southland 1500 record, Southland secondary school titles and a New Zealand champs silver medal.
To say he’s disappointed is an understatement.
“I’m gutted” he said. “How can it happen again at exactly the same time a year later?”
He has remained positive, however.
“The good news is that it’s mild so will just rest this week and get back into it when I’m ready.”
Ready means a determined cross-country season for the 16-year-old St Pauls athlete with the NZ secondary school and Athletics New Zealand championships a priority.
Here’s hoping lightning doesn’t strike three times!
McLeay’s withdrawal leaves sprinter Cody Lawson as the only Southlander competing at the Australian champs.