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Malaysian superstar Nicol David may seek tips from the legendary Heather McKay and other Australian squash greats about how to continue her record-breaking career well into her thirties.
Still only 29, David is already the most successful squash player of the professional era after winning her seventh World Open title last week in the Cayman Islands.
But looking as light and flexible as ever in her 11-6 11-8 11-6 final triumph over England’s Laura Massaro, David wants to continue competing until the end of the decade irrespective of whether her sport is accepted into the 2020 Olympic Games.
“I have to keep my body in shape. I might go on another seven years anyway but the Olympics would add meaning to it,” the world No.1 said.
If she succeeds, David will still be playing competitively at 37.
Queanbeyan’s McKay retired at 40 in 1981 – after famously going almost 20 years undefeated, with her only two ever losses coming at the outset of her grand career.
David is acutely aware that the physiology and sports science of an ageing body requires specific knowledge and sensitive planning and she may talk about this to Australia’s 16-times winner of the British Open – recognised as the Wimbledon of squash.
“I spoke with Heather McKay twice, (most recently) at the Australian Open (in August), and I was humbled to meet her,” said David.
“I hope I have a chance to speak with her again next time I am in Australia, and with other Australian players.
“I also hope to talk more with players in England, like Fiona Geaves and Suzanne Horner, who have been playing past the age of 35. I am hoping to keep going like that too.”
Though David seems firm in her long-term ambitions, vital to keeping her competitive juices flowing are squash’s Olympic hopes, to be decided by the IOC in Buenos Aires in September next year.
David will remain active in the sport’s public voice and its private lobbying until then.
“We are waiting to hear what comes up from our last presentation,” she said. “I have to contact the World Squash Federation to see what they want me to do. I will do as much as I can. I want to make sure we keep the momentum going.
“If squash gets into the Olympics it will be wonderful. It will also make me more eager and give more meaning to my wish to play for many more years.”
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