GETTING TO KNOW......Veronica LeShore

photo: Jason Timochko

Veronica LeShore, 57, of New York is a relative newcomer to masters track & field; but a veteran of the sport who was introduced to the sport as a teenager competing for the Atlas Track Club in the late 1970s. 

After competing through college and then for seven years post collegiately she took a break from the sport for 12 years. She just returned to the sport in 2019 at the age of 53 and has quickly risen to the top ranks of masters track & field. During the past year she finished second in the 400m and third in the 200m at the USATF Masters Outdoor Championships in North Carolina and at the Indoor Championships in Kentucky she finished second in both the 200m and 400m. In 2023, she was the New York association champion indoors at 400m and outdoors she won the 200m.

So let's get to know Veronica LeShore a bit more; both on and off the track........

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How did you get your start in the sport?

I started running at 13 when my younger sister brought home a trophy at her first race with the Atlas Track Club. So my other 3 sisters and I joined the team too. My high school did not have a team so i continued to run with the club during high school. I ran track in college at Long Island University; competing in the 400m and 800m. 

Tell us a bit more about your collegiate running?

While at LIU we had three different head coaches and I had issues with one of them that caused me to sit out for a period of time. The highlight for me was being the Collegiate Track Conference 500m indoor champion in 1985. 

What did you study in College?

I have a Bachelor’s of Science in Marketing and a Masters degree in Public Administration 

DId you compete after college?

Following graduation I competed for another ?? years; until 1997. 

How did you begin competing in masters competitions?

When I returned to competition I did road races which led to the marathon in 2019 but I realized that road racing wasn’t for me. A friend of mine told me about Masters track and the Central Park TC; and here I am four years in and loving it.
 

You compete for the Central Park TC.  How does being on a team help?

The club has athletes from different backgrounds and we all have the same goals. Being on a team helps to form friendships and meet people that you would have never known if not for the team. We also support each other on and off the track which keeps you motivated to do your best. 
 

What do you do for work?

I am the Community Coordinator for the NYC Department of Sanitation. I investigate the public complaints sent into the NYC 311 call center in regards to trash complaints in Manhattan and the Bronx. 
 

Something unique about you that we might not know about you?

I collect African American Barbie dolls. 
 

Favorite Workout?

I don’t like working out but it has to get done; so I would say 6x200 with 3min rest. 

Favorite place to workout?

My favorite place to workout is the Armory. It’s one of the premiere tracks in NY and the some of the greatest track & field athletes have trained and competed there. 

Favorite Food?

My favorite food is ice cream 

Favorite Restaurant?

I don’t have a favorite restaurant. I like a new experience every time I dine out.  
 

What is your go-to social media platform?  

Instagram. My IG is vleshore3

If you could have lunch with one person who would it be? 

Allyson Felix. She is the most decorated female Track and Field athlete and I always admired the way she handled herself on and off the track. 
 

How about dinner with one person? 

I wish I could have one more dinner with my Mom. 
 

Your Role Model?

My Mom was my role model. She was a hard worker and my biggest supporter. 
 

Your Favorite Athlete? 

Allyson Felix

What are your future goals? 

My future goals is to stay healthy and run until God calls me home. 
 

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