James Ledger
James Ledger is a Welsh para sprinter whose career has taken him from discovering confidence through sport to representing Wales on the international stage.
Competing in visually impaired sprinting, James races alongside a guide runner, relying on extraordinary levels of communication, rhythm and trust to perform at speed. Having represented Wales at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, competed internationally and established himself among Britain’s leading visually impaired sprinters, James continues to pursue ambitious goals both on and off the track. But his story reaches beyond athletics. James is passionate about disability representation, accessibility, inclusion and showing what is possible when people are given the right opportunities and support.
James Ledger - The Journey So Far
From first stepping onto the track to representing Wales on the international stage, James’ career has been shaped by determination, adaptability and an unwavering drive to keep progressing. Explore the defining moments, breakthrough performances and major milestones that have shaped his journey so far.
James joins Swansea Harriers and begins the athletics journey that would ultimately take him into elite para sport. He initially competed in long jump before increasingly focusing on sprinting.
James moves into Christian Malcolm’s training group and focuses on the 100m, recording a 100m PB of 11.67 seconds and establishing himself among Wales’ leading visually impaired sprinters.
Selected to represent Team Wales at his first Commonwealth Games in Australia, James competes in the T12 100m - a major milestone in his international career.
James continues developing internationally, competing at World Para Athletics Grand Prix events around the globe and building experience against international opposition.
Now competing in the T11 classification, James reaches UK No.1 and holds the British records over both 60m and 100m. By October 2023, he was ranked 14th in the world and sixth in Europe.
The move to T11 means James races completely blindfolded alongside a guide runner, connected by a tether. He continues developing this highly specialised partnership while pursuing his ambitions on the international stage.
James wins the men’s para 100m at the Welsh Senior & Para Track and Field Championships, clocking a season’s best 11.84 seconds in an exceptionally close race.
Now an established Welsh para athlete and British record holder, James continues pursuing elite competition while using his growing platform beyond the track through speaking, media, advocacy and partnerships.
Raising Awareness For Guide Runners
Guide running is built on trust, communication and complete partnership. As a visually impaired sprinter, James races alongside a guide runner, connected by a tether and working together at full speed. It’s a unique relationship that allows James to compete at the highest level - two athletes, one race, moving as one.