Datuk Nicol David set new world record as the longest reigning world number one squash player

KUALA LUMPUR: February this year marked the 106th consecutive month that Datuk Nicol David held the world number one women's squash ranking and in doing so, she created a new world record, overtaking the previous 105-month record set in 1993 by New Zealand's Susan Devoy.
In a celebration to mark her record, Nicol paid homage to her parents and her coach Liz Irving who was a former world number 2 player.
"My parents never pushed us (me and my sisters) in our studies and even in squash, they always gave us space and they knew we would all do well. My coach has been my mentor and her experience and humility has given me so much in my career and I am still growing with her," she said, adding that her partnership with Irving is the longest coach-player partnership in squash.
She also said that she can still continue playing for another 5 years but she knows it will be more difficult to remain at the top.
"Every year it gets harder and harder because the level and intensity in the game is increasing, everybody is out to get you but I just have to keep improving. I improve every time I train, even if it is 1% I know it will help me in the bigger picture," she added.
The reigning queen of squash, who currently resides in Amsterdam, said that coming back to Malaysia always gives her inspiration to train harder because of all the positive vibes and good energy she gets from the fans.
"The public is always so positive and good, they are always appreciative of my achievements and that alone is enough to take back to Amsterdam," said Nicol.