Elizabeth Leachman kicks to the finish line at the 2023 Woodbridge Classic
We have not really spoken the name since the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials and haven't brought her up for the cross country season - - until today.
Elizabeth Leachman had a legendary 2023/2024 and accomplished enough to pad her resume and still have some left over to share.
It feels safe to say the best distance runner in the country hails from Boerne, Texas and will be just a junior at Champion.
There might be a change in Leachman's schedule when cross begins. We are used to seeing her compete early in the season, but with track season lasting to late June at the trials that could be adjusted.
Also, when we last saw her compete, it was with a lot of KT tape. It be less shocking to not hear from the reigning UIL 5A cross country state champion until mid September.
Nevertheless, she still gets our nod at the top spot of our 5A girls preseasons rankings.
Photo Credit: Chance Kirby/MileSplit TX
Last year, Leachman came 1,000m away from winning both National Championship titles. She won Foot Locker Nationals a week after having her huge lead at the Nike Cross Nationals vanish over the final 1,000m and she would eventually finish 15th.
With only two performances over 16:50 all season long, her personal best came nearly at the season's end with a 16:07 at NXR South Regional Championships.
On the track, she added many more personal best along with all-time national record bests.
Contribute an indoor 2-mile win at the Nike Indoor Nationals, a 15:38 indoor 5K national record, and a 15:25 outdoor 5K National record and there is no way Leachman can not be not only the 5A favorite, but the national favorite.
No matter when we see Leachman line up, expect to be taken on a wild ride. Her other track exploits (2:09, 4:37, and 9:43) are evidence that a healthy Leachman should have no limits set upon her this upcoming cross country season.