Epsom's Jade Ive has spent the entirety of 2009 on the treatment table - but insists that will be the exception rather than the rule as she plots a golden laden return next year.

The 17-year-old pole vaulter saw her season end before it even started earlier in the year after suffering a severe back injury which caused pain in her legs and hips while training.

Ive's 2008 best of 4.05m on the way to gold at the Commonwealth Youth Games would have ranked her second in this year's British Under-20 rankings and sixth in the seniors.

But with a return to the World Junior Championship stage next year in Canada a firm target – a finally fully-fit Ive believes she couldn't be better placed to return to the podium.

"I've got my eyes set on the World Junior Championships and I believe those goals are definitely in reach," said Ive – who is now coached by Egrin Jones at Brunel University.

"Last year the qualifying standard for the world juniors was 3.95m and I got 4.05m so I should have improved loads since then.

"Luckily everything is back to normal now and I'm doing lots of strength work to make sure the injury doesn't come back.

"It has been the best decision I have ever made to change coaches and now he has cut the group down to just three of us, we are all benefiting so much.

"I'm hoping to compete in November in preparation for my push towards the world juniors. I've completely changed my technique, training, everything and all it is looking really good.”

With nearly a year to go until the Commonwealth Games in India – Ive isn't just setting her sights on a return to junior competition but senior events as well in 2010.

Winter training has already began for the Epsom teenager but she is under no illusions as to what is required to pull on her maiden England senior vest in Delhi.

"The Commonwealth Games in India are a big target for me but I know I'm going to have to perform really well if I'm going to get there," added Ive.

"On top of that I'm also going to be pushing for some success in other competitions like the British Championships as that represents a great chance to get added senior experience."

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.