Local Olympian Heather MacLean joined Youth Enrichment Services’ Summer Track & Field practice at Moakley Park in South Boston Thursday night (August 7) to teach basic techniques and skills to Boston youth.

A native of Peabody, MacLean ran for UMass Amherst and competed in the 1500 meter event at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Most recently, she placed fourth in the 1500 metres at the 2025 Golden Gala in Rome.

MacLean ran laps and warm-ups with the approximately 25 youth aged 7-13 before helping the youngsters practice their long-jump skills. Afterwards, she shared how she became a professional athlete and the valuable lessons she has learned during her career. MacLean encouraged the young athletes to not give up on their aspirations, even when it feels easier to quit. “Sometimes, you learn more from losing a race than you do from winning a race,” she told the group.

Founded in 1968, Youth Enrichment Services (YES) is a nonprofit dedicated to providing outdoor enrichment and leadership development programs to Boston youth. YES serves more than 1,200 children and teens annually, primarily from Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan, and Jamaica Plain.