"Russell Dixon is about to compete against some of the best indigenous athletes in North America, but the self-assured teenager isn't thinking about the track and field competition.

�To me, I don't even race other people,� said Dixon. �I just go out and see if I can push myself hard and take my body somewhere it hasn't been. If I come out the winner, I come out the winner.�

It's a state of mind that has led the 18-year-old from the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota to six high school state championships in three events, including cross country and the 1,500- and 3,200-meter races.

Dixon will test his athletic prowess once again July 2-8, during the North American Indigenous Games in Denver, where approximately 7,100 Canadian and U.S. athletes will compete before 50,000 spectators in 16 sporting events, ranging from softball, boxing and swimming to running, archery and lacrosse.

The indigenous games focus on 13- to 18-year-old athletes. Each of the 34 teams registered could recruit as many as 500 teenagers."

Get the Story:
Jodi Rave: Indian athletes given the chance to compete (The Missoulian 6/11)

Relevant Links:
Jodi Rave Lee - http://www.missoulian.com/jodirave

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