Interviewed by Michael Fiteni
Our latest Squash360.com interview features the number one ranked female player on the planet. Join us as we Get to Know . . . Nicol David
Vital Statistics
Recent World Ranking: 1
Highest World Ranking: 1 Date: January 2006
Recent National Ranking: 1
Highest National Ranking : 1 Date:
WISPA Tournament Wins: 22 titles including 2 British Opens and 2 World Opens
World Titles: 5 x Asian Champion, 2 x Asian Games Gold Medalist, Commonwealth Games Silver Medalist in Mix Doubles.
Birthdate: 26th August 1983
Birthplace: Penang, Malaysia
Citizenship: Malaysian
Height: 163 cm
Weight: 55kg
Plays: Right-handed
Started playing squash at age 5
Turned Pro: Year 2000 at age 17
Squash Season Training Base City: Amsterdam
Squash Season Squash Club: SquashCity, Amsterdam
Residence City: Penang, Malaysia
Marital Status: Single
Education: Convent Green Lane Secondary School, Penang. Finish Secondary school in 2000
Languages spoken: English and Malay
Family squash background: Parents played socially and both older sisters Lianne and Cheryl played for the National Team of Malaysia
Racket: Prince
String: Prince
Shoes: Asics
Other Sponsors: CIMB ( Commerce International Merchant Bank ), SCOMI and Hotel Equatorial
Coach: Liz Irving
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Karen Maree
Other experts / support Team: Ronald Fauvel ( Sports Therapist / Structural Integrator )
Training partners: Annelize Naude, Aisling Blake, Louise Crome and some dutch club guys…. Also additional training partner for the first time with Michael Fettini.
07 – 08 League Team: Amstel Park, Amsterdam
Career Low-point (loss, injury, other): Loss in Asian Games 2002 and current loss in the World’s 2007
Top 2 Career Hi-lights: World Open win 2005 and the World Junior win in Penang 2001.
National Team Titles: Asian Team Champions 4 times
National Team Participation: National Junior team since 13, National senior team at 14 and been representing Malaysia for 10 years.
06 – 07 Season Achievements: 8 Wispa titles

Q&A
Childhood ambition: when I grow up I want to be a ______?
Engineer
How did you get started playing squash ?
My dad’s friend build the first public squash centre in Penang and my sisters joined first then I started a year later.
Best advice you received early in your pro squash career?
Enjoy every bit of the game and do your best. You can’t do better than your best and no one else can expect otherwise.
Advice or perspectives you would give a 16 year old aspiring to be a WISPA professional?
They have to be completely passionate about the game to see how much you are willing to sacrifice for the game you want to excel in. Then everything else does not seem that difficult because it is what you like doing.
If it wasn`t for _____________ I would never have attained my current level of squash success.
My family’s love and guidance is the main essence of my success. In addition to that will be the fantastic support system with my coach Liz, past coaches, National funding and all my friends who have been there for me at every step of the way.
Biggest sacrifice being a full-time squash professional?
Time away from family and friends.
How would you describe your playing style?
Emphasized on my speed.
3 Best squash players of all-time?
Jahangir Khan, Heather McKay and Susan Devoy
Who are some of the people you admire and respect the most in the pro game?
All the past legends and current players in the circuit because they all have something special to admire about them.
Which WISPA Event is the most enjoyable for you and why?
Too many I can’t keep track!
Who is the funniest person on tour?
My very own housemate in Amsterdam, Aisling Blake.
Aspects of being a Touring Pro that you could do without?
All the flight travels and long waits at airports.
What contribution or impact would you like to make on squash now and after your playing career is over?
To be part of getting squash into the Olympics and making squash known in Asia and hopefully to grow the game throughout the World gradually. Also setting up an Academy of squash for kids here in Malaysia.
If you could play another sport professionally, what would it be?
Any other racket sport is fine by me.
Career-wise, if I wasn`t a Touring Professional I would be …
a touring professional in another sport.
Passions, talents or interests people would be surprised to learn you have?
I like design and drawing. Might want to have my own design company too someday.
Who If you could spend one day with anybody or group, alive or dead who would it be ? why ?
There is no one person because there are too many marvelous achievers in their own profession and you take the best out of all of them.
Are we alone in the universe ?
Nope
Any fears or phobias?
Non really
Pet peeves?
Not that I know of right now
Favourite:
Athlete: Michael Jordan and Michael Johnson
Music: R&B Hip Hop / Funky house
Movies: Too many!!
Food: Mum’s cooking, Penang food and any thing that tastes good.
Offseason Activities: Outdoor activities and watching gigs
Sports – You Play: previously – volleyball, basketball, athletics and swimming; currently – golf and tennis
Sports – You Watch: tennis and basketball
Quote, Mantra: Live Life to the Fullest!
Dream car: BMW ( which ever that looks hot! )
Dream vacation destination: Discovering the islands of the Caribbean’s
Dream date: Taye Diggs
Celebrity or world figures you would love to meet?
Oprah and Bono together
What is your guilty pleasure, reward, recreation?
FOOD!!!
Three words to describe yourself?
carefree, outgoing, adventurous
When I travel, the thing I miss the most:
Local food from home
When I pack my bags for a tournament, I make absolutely sure I don't forget ...
my ipod and sketch book… oh and the necessary money and passport
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Nothing at all
Despite the challenges, demands and mixed rewards of being a pro player … what keeps your fire burning?
The desire to be the best and complete squash player thus continuing to improve myself in any way possible to get there.
What is your Everest? Ultimate accomplishment yet to achieve?
Commonwealth Games Gold Medal but if ever squash is in the Olympics then I’d like a Gold medal there.
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