James Preston (runner)
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | New Zealand |
| Born | 8 May 1997 |
| Sport | |
| Sport | Athletics |
| Event(s) | 800m, 1500m |
| Achievements and titles | |
| Personal best(s) | 400m: 47.87 (Auckland, 2022) 800m: 1:45.30 (Pfungstadt, 2022) 1500m: 3:45.50 (Christchurch, 2021) |
James Preston (born 8 May 1997) is a track and field athlete from New Zealand. He is a multiple time national champion over 800 metres.[1]
Early and personal life[edit]
From Karori, he runs for Wellington Scottish Athletics Club.[2] In 2023, Preston combined his running with a full-time work as an engineer in Wellington.[3]
Career[edit]
Preston had a breakthrough result as an 18 year-old when he won the 800m at the Porritt Classic in New Zealand in February 2016, beating New Zealand champions Brad Mathas and Hamish Carson, and breaking his personal best by three seconds.[4]
In March 2022, Preston won his second New Zealand national title over 800 metres.[5] In July 2022, he became the third fastest 800m New Zealand athlete in history, behind Peter Snell and John Walker, when he ran 1:45.30 in Germany.[6]
In February 2023, Preston won the 800m at the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold Meet in Melbourne in a world-leading time.[7] A few weeks later he claimed this third national 800m title.[8] At the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, he did not qualify for the semi-finals of the 800m.[9]
He ran a national record indoor time of 1:47.59 in the 800 metres at the 2024 World Athletics Championships in Glasgow.[10]
References[edit]
- ^ "J.Preston". World Athletics.
- ^ Neill, Frank (2 March 2023). "Top result by Karori's James Preston". Independent Herald.
- ^ Hinton, Marc (18 April 2023). "James Preston shakes off 2022 disappointment with world champs 800m spot all-but secured". i.stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
- ^ Landells, Steve (16 February 2016). "Athletics: Preston stars with breakthrough 800 at Porritt". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
- ^ Hinton, Marc (1 March 2023). "Chasing greatness: James Preston eyes special territory in pursuit of 800m goals". istuff.co.nz. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
- ^ Norquay, Kevin (9 July 2022). "Meet James Preston, the 800m runner with Peter Snell and John Walker in his sights". Retrieved 16 August 2023.
- ^ "James Preston leads home Kiwi 1-2 at Melbourne meet". Nzsportswire.com. 24 February 2023. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
- ^ Hinton, Marc (23 March 2023). "Intense rivalry fuels Kiwi 800m runner Brad Mathas ahead of Brisbane showdown". istiff.nz. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- ^ "Men's 800m Results: World Athletics Championships 2023". Watch Athletics. 23 August 2023.
- ^ "Men's 800m Results - World Athletics Indoor Championships 2024". Watch Athletics. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
