Southlander books ticket to World U20 Championships
James McLeay’s selection for the World Championships in South America adds to what is an already busy 2024 for the Southlander.
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Southland middle distance runner James McLeay has booked a ticket to the 2024 World U20 Championships in Lima, Peru in August.
Athletics New Zealand has named an initial 12-strong team to compete at the 2024 World U20 Championships which includes 1500m runner McLeay.
No less than seven New Zealand men attained the World Championship performance standard for the 1500m to illustrate the rich stocks of middle-distance talent in the country.
Earning selection over the men’s metric mile in Lima are national U20 1500m champion Jamie Mora (Whippets) and McLeay (St Paul’s), who captured the New Zealand U20 mile crown earlier this year.
McLeay - an Academy Southland product - recently also picked up a third-place finish at the Australian national track and field championships.
Lance Smith, who coached McLeay until recently, said the selection was significant for McLeay and another boost for Southland athletics.
McLeay’s selection for the World Championships in South America adds to what is an already busy 2024 for the talented Southlander.
McLeay is currently en route to Kenya to compete in the World International School Sport Federation secondary school’s cross country championships.
Very impressive. Well Done James... that is awesome. Go Southland !!