James Preston

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. Early and personal life From Karori, he runs for Wellington Scottish Athletics Club. In 2023, Preston combined his running with a full-time work as an engineer in Wellington. Career 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. In March 2022, Preston won his second New Zealand national title over 800 metres. 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.