Damien Leake - Still Chasing the Edge
Track and field was always Damien Leake’s first love. But for nearly 30 years, it wasn’t part of his life.
When he moved from New York to Los Angeles in 1997 at age 45, he wasn’t chasing competition. He was simply looking for a place to run… just to stay in shape.
That search led him somewhere unexpected. A group of kids training for the Junior Olympics. They needed coaches. So he stepped in. Not as an athlete. As someone giving back. What started as helping others train… turned into a return he never expected.
At an All-Comers meet, something caught his attention. Older athletes… competing. And a thought crossed his mind:
“I can beat some of them.”
Two weeks later, he tested it. He ran hard for the first time in nearly three decades. And what he found wasn’t just encouraging...it was shocking. He was told he was half a second off the world record.
That moment didn’t just bring him back. It redefined what was still possible.
Performance Proof
Damien didn’t just return. He performed.
At the World Masters Athletics Championships 2011—his first major international competition—he earned silver in the 100 meters.
But his story doesn’t live in the past. At the 2026 Masters Indoor Nationals (M70),
he ran the 60m and missed the world record by just .18 seconds.
Not seconds. Fractions.
Close enough to see it.
Close enough to feel it.
And close enough to know it’s still within reach.
.18 seconds off a world record at 70. Close enough to know it’s still there.
The Real Opponent
For Damien, competition isn’t really about the lane next to him. It’s about something far more personal.
“An obsession with fighting aging… and being better than that guy in the mirror. He’s my true competitor.”
An obsession with fighting aging… and being better than that guy in the mirror.”
That mindset shapes everything.
Over time, he’s become more aware of his body—anticipating problems before they happen, adjusting before they turn into setbacks. Experience hasn’t slowed him down. It’s made him sharper.
The Work Behind It
His training is simple - but consistent.
Track work 3–5 days per week. Alternating hard, easy, and recovery days. Strength work in the gym. Bodyweight work at home.
As a sprinter, one thing is always a consideration: hamstrings. Not something to fear—but something to respect.
Leading into competition, the focus shifts. Stretching. Cold baths. Winding down. Not doing more—but doing what keeps him ready.
Experience Changes the Game
Time didn’t slow him down. It made him sharper.
“I’ve gotten smarter… more aware of pending physical problems, trying to anticipate and avoid them.”
As a sprinter, one thing is always on his mind: hamstrings. Not as fear—but as respect. Because longevity at speed demands it.
He’s learned to read the signals—tightness, fatigue, subtle changes before they become problems. What used to be ignored now gets attention.
That awareness is part of what allows him to keep showing up—and keep competing—at a high level.
Preparation Is Protection
Leading into competition, the focus shifts.
- Stretching
- Cold baths
- Winding down
Not doing more - just doing what keeps him ready.
It’s a different kind of discipline. Knowing when to push, and when to back off. Understanding that showing up healthy is just as important as showing up fast.
At this stage, preparation isn’t extra work. It’s what allows the work to show up when it matters.
Still Chasing the Edge
This isn’t about staying active. The goal hasn’t softened. He’s still taking shots at world records. The desire is still there. But at this level, desire isn’t enough. It’s about preparation and the time you’re willing to invest in it.
Coaching wasn’t the end of his career. It was the beginning of his return.
Advice from Experience
Take your time preparing yourself.
Take care of your body.
Get enough rest.
Don’t push beyond your limits.
Go for it. Go for it. Go for it."
Closing
A lot of people think aging is about decline. Damien treats it like a challenge. Not against the field. But against time… and the man in the mirror.
Recognition
Recently, Damien was selected as a finalist for the USATF Masters Track & Field Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
A recognition that reflects not just longevity - but sustained excellence at the highest levels of Masters competition.
AthleForte is proud to feature Damien Leake as part of our Athlete Spotlight series — individuals who embody preparation, performance, and longevity.