The talented Singleton High student is currently on a track and field tour of Canada competing against national high school students.

At 15-years-of-age, it is Ashleigh’s second overseas competition, in 2005 she competed in the US on the same tour.

Ashleigh was selected for the Canada and US tours after catching the eye of selectors at state CHS carnivals.

Her 20-day tour of Canada will include five-days of competition competing in the 100m, 200m, high jump, triple jump and relay events.

Ashleigh told The Singleton Argus she was thrilled to be competing internationally and was looking forward to returning to the track after recovering from a fractured ankle and problems with shin splints.

“I can’t wait,” she said.

“I’m really looking forward to the competition, I’ve been out for awhile with injuries so I can’t wait to see what I can do.”

A specialist runner, Ashleigh hopes the international competition will bring good results in her pet running events.

“I want to try and beat my PB’s in the 100m and 200m,” she said.

At present, her PB’s stand at 12.90secs in 100m and 25.70secs in 200m.

A member of Singleton Little Athletics since she was 8-years-old, Ashleigh holds records for the girls under 13s, under 14s and 15s 100m and 200m events, she also holds records for a number of field events.

In recent years, she has flourished under the guidance of coach Warren Metcalf, and has started to reach her full potential.

“My coach has helped me a lot,” she said.

“I used to run like 15seconds or something really slow like that but he’s worked on my technique up and I’m running faster.”

Competing in Canada and US, Ashleigh has already achieved some of her dreams and is looking forward to what the future may hold with hard-work and training.

“Ever since I was little I have always wanted to race in America and at the Olympics,” she said.

“I have accomplished half of that so Idon’t see what’s going to stop me with the other half.”

She wanted to thank Travel Options for the opportunity to compete overseas as well as Bloomfield and Rix’s Creek Coal, Integra Coal and Club Singleton for their support.

“I also want to thank my Nan and my Mum and Dad for taking me to training every week,” she said.

In between competition, Ashleigh will spend her time training as well as fitting in some sightseeing and a trip to Disneyland.