The countdown to the London 2012 Olympics will duck under the three-year mark this week – and despite an injury-ridden season Stoneleigh pole vaulter Jade Ive’s dream appearance remains firmly on track.

The 17-year-old was handpicked as a future Olympian earlier this year when she was selected to join the UKA Heroes project sponsored by Original Source, scooping a £1000 cash injection in the process to aid her London bid.

Ive underlined her potential with Commonwealth Youth Games Gold in India in 2008 but suffered heartache earlier in the season when her bid for glory at this summer’s European Junior Championship was ended by a back injury.

This week marks exactly three years until the Olympic torch is lit at a glittering opening ceremony in the capital.

And with Ive’s injury return ahead of schedule - the former Sutton & District AC vaulter is more determined than ever to live the Olympic dream in three years’ time.

“I’ve been struggling with this lower back injury but hopefully things are starting to look up,” said Ive.

“I’ll be starting training properly again in September in time for the start of the indoor season in January, and I’m sure I’ll be fit and ready to go by then.

“It was devastating to get the injury and miss out on the European Juniors this year but these things happen in athletics and hopefully I’ll come back stronger.

“I’m thinking about London 2012 all the time – it’s going to be fantastic. I just hope I get the opportunity to participate in it.

“People always come up to me and ask me if I’m going to be representing GB and I just hope I do because it would be such a great achievement.”

After missing out on this summer’s European Junior Championships in Serbia, Ive’s next chance of international competition will be the next year’s World Junior Championships and the Commonwealth Games.

And despite the disappointment of his 2009 summer, the 17-year-old insists the experience will make her stronger as she bids for glory at London.

“All these experiences are going to be invaluable for my progression and I’m really excited with the way things have gone,” added Ive.

“I’ve just changed coaches and it has been brilliant for me – he is preparing me all the time for London and hopefully I can keep working hard and get there.”

UKA Heroes project sponsored by Original Source is a successful initiative which offers financial support to talented young athletes who are working towards the 2012 and 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.