Double gold for Laura Dickinson at national youth championship

Laura Dickinson, a 17-year-old fromMiramichiwhowon two gold medals at the national youth track and field championships last weekend, says she was inspired to compete in steeplechase after watchingNew Brunswick OlympianGeneviveLalonde.

"Iknewtherewas someone else from New Brunswickthat was doing really good at it, so I wanted to try it as well,"saidDickinson.

Lalondewill be competing in the event in RioSaturday.

Dickinson competed in the 2000 metre and 3000 metresteeplechase in Quebecas part of New Brunswick's youth team.

Was underdog

She entered the races as the underdog, rankedsixth in one of the events.

But during the last few laps of theraces, she was able to take the lead, making the wins all the more exhilarating.

"It felt amazing, just knowing I worked so hard throughout the season,trainingup to this season and all my hard work has paid off," said Dickinson.

The 17-year-old started training two years ago, although shehas been running cross-country since elementary school.

She says she hopes to compete in steeplechase at the university level, after she graduates from high school.

In the meantime, she'll be watchingLalondeclosely in Rio.

"I'll be cheering her on from home," said Dickinson.