School dux, world sporting final; The definition of overachiever
“Obviously it comes with its challenges. Yeah, it was hard, a lot of work, but [you] kind of just used to it. Getting into a rhythm, I guess.
Next time your teenager tells you they don’t have the time to do something; point them to this article.
Infact anyone of any age-group can take some inspiration from this tale.
Last week James McLeay was named Dux of Southland Boys’ High School for 2024.
That academic achievement in isolation takes a significant level of commitment, focus, and of course time.
But this where it becomes even more remarkable.
McLeay wrote his name into Southland Boys’ academic history books in 2024 while at the same time achieving something only four other Kiwis have on the world sporting stage.
In September, the Southland teen became just the fifth New Zealander to reach the U20 final of the blue ribbon 1500m event at the World Junior Athletics Championships in Peru.
He did that while being a year younger than most in the event.
To add to that - in May - McLeay represented New Zealand at the World Secondary Schools Cross Country Championships in Kenya, and this month he added the 1500m national secondary schools title to his already bulging CV.
If there is a name attached to the definition of ‘overachiever’ - James McLeay would probably be the perfect fit.
Although McLeay himself somewhat plays down that mammoth effort in juggling the academic success alongside competing on the world sporting stage.
“Obviously it comes with its challenges. Yeah, it was hard, a lot of work, but [you] kind of just used to it. Getting into a rhythm, I guess.
“Still a bit of goofing off in class here and there, but I got the job done,” McLeay told The Roar Podcast.
It’s not surprising that the academic and sporting combination attracted interest from various colleges in the United States.
McLeay has settled on linking with Princeton University next year where he will continue with his studies and sporting ambitions.
“[I] kind of been on their radar, I guess, since maybe April. Dad and I got flown over there, had a wee visit, had a look around.
“Loved the team there and the coach and just the whole culture. So, yeah, I just decided it’s the right pick going there,” McLeay said.
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Long-term McLeay has goals of progressing into the senior ranks in New Zealand athletics and feels being part of the Princeton track will help with that.
He will be able to return to New Zealand to compete the national athletics championships in future years.
In the sort-term - over summer - McLeay has got some events in his sights to tackle.
“I've got a few classics in January, February, which will be good. Hopefully a couple of quick miles, which will be awesome.
“And then maybe jump over the ditch to Aussie Nationals at the end of the season.”