MANITOWOC (NBC 26) — A local teen is packing her bags and her skates for the Junior Olympics in China as she prepares to leave this week.

Since graduating from Lincoln High School this spring, Zakia Kalista has had one goal: getting ready for the Junior Olympics.

Watch the full broadcast here: Manitowoc teen heads to Junior Olympics in China for speed skating

"I've been doing a lot of hard work; we'll see if it pays off," Kalista said.

From early mornings to late nights, Kalista has dedicated herself to training for this moment.

"I've been skating every day, I've been biking, I've been doing some hard, intense biking ... I've been doing a lot of off-skate training," Kalista said.

Her coach says her mindset is what sets her apart from the competition.

"We've spent a lot of time re

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