Stoneleigh pole vaulter Jade Ive returned to the runway for the first time in 18 months last weekend – and the teenager is already talking up her chances of world domination.

The 18-year old Commonwealth Youth champion had been out of action since October 2008 with a lower back injury ruling her out of last summer’s European Junior Championships.

But Ive finally returned to competitive action at the South of England Championships in Crystal Palace on Sunday but will step things up at this weekend’s Aviva U20 and U23 Championships.

They double up as trials for July’s World Junior Championships in Moncton, the youngster insists she’s got what it takes to make the plane to Canada.

“The trials are going to be really competitive but I’m definitely ready to compete again now and looking forward to it,” said Ive, who has been selected for the UKA Heroes initiative, supported by Original Source, for the second successive season.

“I feel like my back injury is all done now and all clear so I’m fit and ready.

"It has been clear for a couple of months but I don’t think I was really mentally ready to compete.

“There seems to be more girls than ever competing this year but hopefully I can be up there and competitive.

“I’m not too sure how the other girls will see me after being out for so long. I think they’ll either be really worried or think I’ll be a bit out of practice.

“But, hopefully, I can show them I’m back and still up there. I think there’ll only be two selected for the worlds so I’ve got make sure I’m one of those two.”

As well as finishing in the top two, Ive needs to improve her personal best by 5cm to achieve the UKA qualification standard of 4.10m and secure her place in the British squad.

And, while rivals Sally Scott and Holly Bleasdale have already made the grade this season – the latter en route to a British junior record of 4.25m – Ive is adamant she can compete with her high-flying peers.

“There will probably be a few of us getting the selection height for the worlds,” added Ive.

“It’s only 5cm higher than my personal best from two years ago so, hopefully, I can make it.

“Obviously, Holly has done well to jump that height but my coach reckons it’s within my reach, too.

“I’d like to say that as well and hopefully I can jump something around that height this year but obviously it’s still early in the season.

“I’m not too worried at this point. It’s more important to get back competing regularly first.”

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