Laura Dickinson set to challenge for gold at the Canada Games

In a summer of shimmering gold, Laura Dickinson is getting ready for another chance to be the best.

The long-distance runner competes in her first event at the Canada Games in Winnipeg on Tuesday, where she will run in the 3,000-metre steeplechase.

She runs again on Friday in the 5,000 metres.

• Miramichi's Laura Dickinson named flag bearer for Team N.B.
• Record-breaking gold for 17-year-old Miramichi runner
• Double gold for Laura Dickinson at national youth championship

The past two months have been big for Dickinson. At nationals, Dickinson won gold in both the 5,000-metre and the 3,000-metre steeplechase, while setting a championship record in both events.

When I was standing there at the podium, it was like wow, I could actually do this.- Laura Dickinson

"It kind of gave me the confidence going into my next big race, which was the Pan Am juniors in Peru," said Dickinson.

There, she once again won gold in the 5,000 metres.

"It was really, really exciting, and just amazing to be traveling with Team Canada and have everyone cheering me on and to be able to race against the different countries," Dickinson said.

The honours haven't stopped with just medals.

The runner from Miramichi represented New Brunswick as the flag bearer at the opening ceremonies Friday in Winnipeg.

"I was just really honoured," said Dickinson.

"I know that there's lots of great athletes in New Brunswick that could have also done the job, but I'm very happy they chose me."

Endurance, endurance, endurance

Dickinson always knew she had endurance, but a deep acknowledgement of her own ability came last year at youth nationals in Quebec. She competed in the 2,000-metre and 3,000-metre steeplechase and won both events.

Sometimes my coaches would put me on for the whole game because I just had that endurance.- Laura Dickinson

"When I was standing there at the podium, it was like wow, I could actually do this, and it gave me a lot of confidence for this year for sure," said Dickinson.

Growing up, Dickinson played basketball and soccer, and endurance was always her advantage.

"I basically tried to do every sport I could throughout elementary school and middle school," said Dickinson.

"Sometimes my coaches would put me on for the whole game because I just had that endurance."

Along with the team sports, Dickinson also enjoyed doing cross-country, which once again takes endurance. Over the last few years, Dickinson has begin to focus more on the longer distances and track events.

"I just ended up falling in love with the sport, and really enjoying it," said Dickinson.

In the footsteps

One of Laura Dickinson's role models is Genevive Lalonde of Moncton, who went the Olympics last year for the 3,000-metre steeplechase. Dickinson remembers watching Lalonde compete at the Olympics.

"Seeing her accomplish such great things, it has given me a lot of motivation to work hard and see what I can do in my future," said Dickinson.

Part of that future includes going to the same university Lalonde went to. In the fall Dickinson will be going to University of Guelph, where Lalonde is still training.

"That will be really cool to get to see her a lot there," said Dickinson.

"I guess we'll see what happens after that, but I love running and I don't want to stop anytime soon."