The 22-year-old Faye Denholm-trained runner tore the ACL in her right knee playing soccer in May last year, an injury that required a full, knee reconstruction.

‘‘I had the operation in July and basically have had 12 months of rehab,’’ Nicholson said.

‘‘It was a long recovery process and five and a half months before I started jogging or any sort of running program and then it was minimal – I was very unfit and struggled to run a lap around an oval.

‘‘It’s been a long time but I have worked hard over the winter and had a big preseason working on my base fitness and strength before doing any speed work.

‘‘In some ways it’s been a blessing in disguise and I think it has made me a stronger person mentally.’’

Nicholson said her knee was feeling good apart from a few aches but mentally it had taken some time to put the injury out of her mind.

‘‘I missed the whole carnival series last year and I’m looking forward to getting back into racing this year,’’ she said.

‘‘For me it is not about how well I do – it’s more about just being back and I’m enjoying it more than ever.’’

Nicholson will compete at all the main carnivals and will take some good form into the series.

‘‘I got a third in the Launceston Gift and second in the 200 metres, a couple of placings in Richmond and although I didn’t place in the Gift at the PCCC carnival in Burnie I won the 400m which was a bit of a surprise,’’ she said.

‘‘It’s better than I expected and encouraging to know I’m still in the mix with it and given me a bit of confidence.

‘‘I would be really happy if I placed but I’m not setting any goals for the carnivals because at this stage it’s about trying to get back into the swing of things and then have more of a hit-out next year.’’