KUALA LUMPUR:After nearly three decades spent on squash, including close to 20 years as a professional player, national squash icon Datuk Nicol David now has all the time to accomplish new things in her life.
Since starting to play at age seven and making her international debut at 12 to win the British Junior Under-14 Open title in 1996, Nicol is the most decorated star in the racquet sport and an inspiration to millions worldwide.
The 37-year-old Penangite has no regrets in the sport, having achieved everything possible including eight World Championship titles, 81 Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour titles, an unprecedented record 109-month (nine years) reign as the world’s number one and the most successful Asian Games athlete with seven gold medals in total.
Nicol, who was inducted into the World Squash Federation (WSF) ‘Hall of Fame’ in 2011 and voted the World Games Greatest Athlete of All Time (GOAT) on Monday, said it was hard to believe two years have passed outside the glass court since announcing her retirement in February 2019.
“My post-retirement has been absolutely amazing…I am learning so much more and I am seeing how capable I am of doing things outside of squash,” she told Bernama through video interview.
“I am studying online and also doing my motivational talks, so reaching out to people, getting their inputs and knowing that I get to give back in some ways. That is something really fulfilling for me to know that I can do this for others,” said Nicol, who last played in the British Open in May 2019.
Although retired, Nicol is actively involved in promoting squash, women empowerment and giving motivational talks, besides having served as mentor for the Malaysian contingent at the 2019 SEA Games.
Nicol, however, is truly amazed and feels privileged for all the love and support from the Malaysian fans throughout her career till now, especially during the World Games Greatest Athlete of All Time online poll.
Despite being the only Asian, Nicol outclassed 23 other candidates representing various sports after garnering 318,943 votes to secure the win with an over 200,000-vote majority when the one-month polling period ended on Monday night.
Speaking on here future goals, Nicol, who is known for her humbleness and beautiful smile, continued that many of her goals and unfinished plans are happening for her now.
“My path is really to go out and give back to society, to stand for the women, youth and sports, to have a voice for those who want to speak up. I have experienced the life I experienced in squash, and now I am ready to really speak up and give others the chance to have a voice through me.
“To be honest, absolutely nothing (I wish to change as an athlete), I have achieved what I have achieved and I am truly proud of what I have done of myself,” she said.
Asked about her experience in completing the Foundations of Positive Psychology course at the University of Pennsylvania, Nicol said psychology had always been her interest since her playing career.
“That is why when I was training, I always have interest in wanting to understand more about the mind and how to figure out what to do while I am competing…But in the process, I actually realized that it translated into everything. We can do that on a daily basis to practice our mind to go stronger and think positively in so many ways.
“My message to future players is just to keep training hard, keep working towards your goal and also have that guts, hunger and fire in you to push further and strive further for what you truly want for yourself,” she said.
Nicol also hopes that the community will come together as a whole to be more compassionate to each other and to really stay true and positive as much as possible in this tough time against the COVID-19 pandemic.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Feb 03 2021
Nicol was inducted into the World Squash Federation (WSF) Hall of Fame in 2011 and voted the World Games' Greatest Athlete of All Time (GOAT). BERNAMA pic
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.