- May 3, 2024
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Before she was old enough to understand the concept of running, Lea Gray was already turning circles around the track.
Long before Gray came into the world, her mother, Kristine, lived a dedicated running life, which began in high school.
Kristine Gray’s older sister told her cross country would be too tough for her, since she was small and only a freshman. She went ahead and joined the team, and Kristine broke the school and city record that same year. She’s been running ever since. And, after giving birth to Lea, Kristine continued to run, using a jogging stroller to bring Lea along.
Lea began running at an early age. She competed in mini kid triathlons and other running programs. But it was just before her freshman year, when she began to seriously train and run for Seabreeze.
Four years later and one more meet to go, Gray is about to conclude an exceptional high school running career. She ran all lengths, and she was successful with all of them.
Gray reached states every year for cross country and track (she went as an alternative her freshman season).
Along the way, she won multiple conference and district championships while constantly placing in the Top 4 at regionals. She also owns several Top 10 state finishes and school records.
Ever since I began at the Observer in August 2014, no female runner has been more consistent or successful than Lea. In every event I’ve ever seen her compete, she has finished in a respectable place. When looking toward the front of the pack, I could always find those red pig tails bouncing from side to side.
After placing second in both 800- and 1600-meter runs at regional, Gray, will look to end her high school running career atop the podium this weekend at the FHSAA Track & Field State Championships on Friday and Saturday, May 5-6, at IMG Academy. She will be joined with teammate Ashley Khan, who also placed second at regionals, in the shot put.
