Eddie Leddy represented Ireland in distance running at two Olympic Games. At Munich 1972 he competed in the 3,000 metres steeplechase, recording 8:47.4 in his heat. At Montreal 1976 he competed in both the 5,000 metres, recording 13:40.54 in his heat, and the 10,000 metres, recording 28:55.49.

Leddy grew up in Drumreilly and was coached from a young age by Padraig Griffin in Ballinamore, who he has credited with transforming his career. He qualified for the Munich Games in 1972 after a breakthrough performance at the Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa, having taken up an athletics scholarship at East Tennessee State University in 1970.

In 1973 he was the first Irishman to finish at the World Cross Country Championships. He also won the 10,000 metres at the 1976 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. His brother PJ Leddy was also an accomplished international athlete.