JamesLedbetter

Ledbetter runs the 400m hurdles, a race won by whoever holds their rhythm longest. In May 2026, competing for Nebraska, he won the Big Ten title in 50.82 in Lincoln. Twelve days later he ran 50.00 at the NCAA West First Round to qualify for nationals, a time Nebraska says ranks fifth in school history, and he went on to the NCAA semifinals in Eugene. That 50.00 was 1.34 seconds faster than his best a year earlier. He was also a fixture on the 4x400m relay, running on four winning Nebraska relays in 2025–⁠26.

He grew up in Fulshear, in the Houston area, and came to the sport late, starting track at 16. By his senior year at Katy Jordan High School, he finished second in the 300m hurdles at the 2024 UIL 6A state meet and earned USATF and New Balance Outdoor All-American honors. He spent two seasons at Nebraska, making the Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll both springs, then transferred home to Texas for 2026–⁠27. He studies Corporate Communication and describes himself as hardworking and determined.

The 400m hurdles reward a plan: a set rhythm between barriers, a pace held through the final turn, and quick adjustments at speed when the plan slips. Ledbetter brought that approach to his 2026 Project Manager Internship at Feniex Industries, the Austin manufacturer of emergency-vehicle lighting, sirens and controllers, where he supported project coordination across teams. Pair that with his communication studies and the consistency that put him on Nebraska’s honor roll twice, and he gives a team clear updates, firm schedules and calm follow-through.