Burbidge-Smith gunning for close Buchanan at BMX nationals

Burbidge-Smith, 20, ruptured her ACL one week before the national titles last year and then had surgery again in December after tearing the same ligament in her other knee.

The road to recovery has been tough and Burbidge-Smith knows she is pushing herself to the limit returning less than five months after surgery.

"I asked the doctor how long it would take and he said 4-6 months for full recovery and I thought okay nationals is my only chance to get a spot in worlds," she said.

"I thought I've got to make every single day count, so I've been doing six hours a day of training and rehab.

"I was pretty heartbroken after working so hard to get get back from the previous one but nationals motivated me incredibly.

"A lot of it is mental and a month ago I was stressing but now I'm back on the bike it feels like everything is back to normal and I feel comfortable again.

"It's funny how your mind goes from cautious to getting back on and the pure enjoyment comes back and you don't even think about it."

In Queensland Burbidge-Smith is gunning for the podium finish which she hopes will be enough to punch her ticket to the world championships in America this July.

"I believe I've got what it takes to qualify, another month would have been perfect but I can't change anything now and this is my only shot to make worlds so I'm going all in," she said.

"Obviously I'm nervous but I feel like I've done everything I possibly could have and when I get on the gate knowing that it makes me confident in myself."

The Canberra export will race against another BMX star from the ACT in Olympian and world champion Caroline Buchanan.

"She's is definitely at the top of her game and I look up to her as an athlete but I'm going to be there to push her and show her a what I can do," Burbidge-Smith said.

"We're really good friends and I respect her as an athlete and as a person. When I train with her she pushes me and makes me a better rider, she's a great influence to have around me."

BMX Australia has adopted a concussion policy ahead of the nationals and Burbidge-Smith said injuries are simply part and parcel of the sport.

"It's been hard with all the injuries I've had but you're either going to be the best or too scared and not get anywhere, you just have to get over it and remind yourself it's 100 percent worth it," Burbidge-Smith said.

"People say I must be an adrenalin junkie but it's weird because I don't see myself as that, it's so fun that you don't even think about it as dangerous, racing is the best feeling in the world."

There are 23 Canberra riders competing this week with Armande Orino and Jack Druery in the elite mens and Felicia Thomas riding in the under-16 competition.