Talent comes third in success - Kennedy Taylor, James McLeay Q&A

There is sure to be more talented runners out there but whether they have explored their boundaries and committed to hard training is another story.

Accomplished distance runners Kennedy Taylor and James McLeay.

Kennedy Taylor and James McLeay are currently probably Southland’s most accomplished distance runners.

There is no doubt talent has a lot to do with their success. But not everything. Ahead of talent comes versatility and commitment.

There is sure to be more talented runners out there but whether they have explored their boundaries and committed to hard training is another story.

It goes without saying that these Southland Academy and St Pauls club members have.

Kennedy (18) has age group national medals in road races, steeplechase, 3000m, mountain running crosscountry and triathlon. She has won the Southland Secondary Schools crosscountry champs five times missing out once because of injury.

Her five wins were also course records. She also finds time to squeeze in basketball, rugby and touch.

James also shows a wide range of ability. The 16 (almost 17) year old has national championship medals for 800m, steeplechase, and mountain running in his collection, not to mention Southland schools cross-country wins and records, Southland records for 3000, 1500 and steeplechase in various age grades and a bit over 33 min 10k to his name. He’s also a dab hand at basketball.

What got them going and where do they see themselves going? We asked them.

What got your started?

Kennedy: My brothers both did athletics from a young age I always went along to the local events and then followed in their footsteps. I really enjoyed it and haven’t looked back.

James: Growing up I played every sport I could and in year 5 ran in the primary school champs xc and enjoyed running ever since.

What other sports?  How do they affect your running (or vice versa)?

Kennedy: Many sports over the years but had to give some up as I was running out of time in my week, I still do rugby and basketball but I don’t take them as seriously so I can relax and enjoy it.

James: Basketball (we talk the talk but don’t walk the walk) and it’s enjoyable just playing with mates. In summer I mix it up with a bit of touch. Some social golf where I reckon I could set a record for highest handicap (really bad) but it’s enjoyable just whacking a ball with mates. Often the ball goes in wrong direction.

What have been your best moments in athletics?

Kennedy: They range from performances I am happy with to trips where I made lots of memories with my team and met so many different people. It would be too hard to pick my best moments, but I would have to say going away on trips and racing against and seeing lots of my friends from other places around the country is pretty cool.

James: Has to be national champs this year where I managed to snag a silver in the 800 and get a nice pb. Another moment was racing against the big (older) boys at last year’s secondary school athletics nationals. The atmosphere in the 1500 final was something else and was thrilling.

What are your hopes athletically?

Kennedy: I am hoping to go over to America next year on an athletic scholarship to pursue an education and sporting experience.

James: Try and get a scholarship to America and see where running can take me.

What’s your favourite event and training sessions?

Kennedy: Probably the 3000m steeplechase, although I do like to run the odd 1500m! I quite enjoy short speed sessions as they are quite fun and I also enjoy the Miller Killer as it is different to some of our other sessions.

James: The 1500m, it’s long enough to be tactical but short enough to be fast and brutal. Favourite training session is 300m reps for a bit of speed. It’s hard but good fun.

Tell us about your coach and coaching.

Kennedy: Lance Smith since I was about 9 or 10. He has helped me to not only be a better athlete but a better person.

James: Lance Smith who never puts pressure on me. I know all I can do is run my hardest and coach will be happy. I think that’s important as a lot of people feel too much pressure and don’t take in the experience and enjoyment. Pressure is a different thing to nerves and excitement.

What’s next for you in athletics – your aims for the rest of the season?

Kennedy: NZ XC Champs at the end of July and then I am also part of the NZ Secondary Schools team that is going to Australia at the end of August for the Australian Cross Country Nationals which I am super excited for. In terms of the track season I will have my final NZSS Track and Field Nationals which will be an exciting way to end my secondary school career.

James: Try and get a world standard in the 1500 or 800 and qualify for world champs later next year.

What is the best part of athletics?

Kennedy: Definitely the friendships and memories all the places around the country I have been able to travel to compete. I also love the feeling of achievement you get when you finish a hard race or get a personal best.

James: The people you meet. I can honestly say I’ve made some lifelong mates from different parts of the country. We all stay together at the classic meets and even just catch up outside of athletics.

It’s hard to explain but we all just kinda click.