First national title a boost for Southland runner
"I knew it would be quick, because one of the guys likes to lead and make it quick and then going into the home straight there were four of us and I won the sprint.”
James McLeay’s first individual national title was the perfect way to start an important year for the Southland runner.
The Southland Boys’ High School Year 13 student and SBS Bank Academy Southland Leadership Year athlete is feeling highly motivated ahead of a season which will ulminate with the World International School Sport Federation secondary schools cross country championships in Kenya in May.
The Lance Smith-coached runner underlined his form at the weekend when he won the New Zealand under 20 mile title at the 25th anniversary Potts Track and Field Classic in Hastings last weekend.
“It was a fun race and really good competition,” James said.
“The winner of the New Zealand secondary schools and some of my mates that I’m really close with were there. I knew it would be quick, because one of the guys likes to lead and make it quick and then going into the home straight there were four of us and I won the sprint.”
The St Pauls runner recorded a personal best for the distance of 4:07.84, edging out the Athletics Tauranga duo of Elliot Pugh and Callum Murray, who also posted personal best times.
It was the first time James has won an individual national title on the track and proof that his mental game is becoming as good as his physical capabilities, with positive self-talk and an attacking mindset helping to build his confidence.
“The mental component is the most important part to run well. I’m in good form in both and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.
James is now hoping conditions will be suitable for him to have a crack at the world under 20 standard for the 1500m in February before the New Zealand track and field championships being held at Newtown Park in Wellington in mid-March.
Those track events will help to build his speed base before his focus switches to Kenya, the spiritual home of cross country running.
“I’m looking forward to the trip. Above all it will be a great experience and it’s quite motivating.”