SHAFTESBURY Barnet pole vaulter Jade Ive nearly quit athletics following a disastrous 2010 – but insists she is in better shape than ever as she prepares to reinvent herself next year.

The 18-year-old has spent more time on the treatment table this year than on the athletics track as she has battled with a back injury picked up two years ago.

This has meant the Shaftesbury Barnet Harrier has only featured in one competition – June’s South of England Championships – however she failed to register a single jump.

But Ive’s talent was clear back in 2008 when she picked up gold in Pune at the Commonwealth Youth Games only for her injury to stem her future progress.

Ive admits her problems were almost as much in her head as her body but insists a return to the drawing board means she is set for a successful return in 2011.

“Last year was a nightmare season and a nothing year for me and it was so frustrating and hard at times,” said Ive – who is part of the Original Source funded UKA Heroes initiative.

“But after watching the Commonwealth Games and re-evaluating I am so hungry to get back out there and forget about this season and have success for myself.

“Last year my injuries were also mental as they were physical but I have gone right back down to basics – as if I was completely new to the pole vault – and I am raring to get going.

“I am so eager and ready now and I have already started my winter training and could start my indoor season tomorrow if I had to.

“I am feeling happier than ever and have a smile back on my face which is important and I am excited about what I can achieve next year.”

Ive’s forced exile from the pole vault almost cost her dear with only a conversation with her father talking her around from leaving the sport all together in September.

But after almost two years away from the runway Ive is not about to set herself up for another fall – insisting a successful season next year will just mean staying off the treatment table.

“I am really eager to get back to competing but I don’t want to get ahead of myself and end up doing myself more harm than good,” she added.

“This time away from competing has been good in a way because it has made me realise just how much I miss competing and just how much it means to me.

“But I am not about to set myself goals for next year. It would be good to get to one of the major championships but to be honest an injury free year will count as a success.”

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.