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Local cross-country star headed to Australia

Lilja McKendry is considered one of the best cross-country runners, and triathletes, in Virginia.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WVEC) -- Lilja McKendry has been running competitively since she was five years old.

“My dad always taught me to beat the boys, so that was my main goal,” she said.

The 16-year-old is now a sophomore at First Colonial High School in Virginia Beach, and her laser-like focus is already paying off. She’s considered one of the best cross-country runners, and triathletes, in Virginia.

This June, her talents are taking her to Australia where she will represent USA in the Down Under International Championships. She’s one of four runners handpicked from Virginia.

“I can’t put pressure on myself,” said Lilja. “I’ll psyche myself out. I can only do the best that I possibly can.”

After the 10-day trip, Lilja hopes to qualify for the junior world triathlon championships that will be held in Geneva, Switzerland. Her eventual goal is to one day compete in the Olympics.

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