Squash: Chilling with good book key to gold

Senior Sports Journalist·NZ Herald·

3 Apr, 2018 05:00 PM3 mins to read

World squash No 4 Joelle King is chasing a hat-trick of gold. Photo / Greg Bowker

Squash is not the most high profile sport but, as potentially one of New Zealand's most successful events at these Commonwealth Games, it could soon shoot to fame.

Leading the charge will be Joelle King, entering her third Games with a strong chance of claiming three gold medals.

In all, the team of seven could capture five medals, a haul likely to be rivalled only by track cycling and perhaps athletics and bowls.

King already has the full set of medals; gold in the women's doubles and silver in the mixed doubles in Delhi in 2010 to go with singles bronze in Glasgow last time out.

This time around, she is embracing her quest to secure gold in the same three disciplines, but does it in typically understated Kiwi fashion.

"Winning any colour medal at the Games is pretty exciting but gold has that special feel about it. If I can bring home three golds, it wouldn't be bad for the CV," the 29-year-old says.

"The goal definitely is three golds, so I'll be leaving everything out there to do it. If I fall short, it can happen, people can be better on the day, but I'll be doing everything I can."

King is well placed after rising back to a career-high ranking of fourth in the world behind three Egyptians not present on the Gold Coast. She is seeded 2-1-1 for her three events.

Countering fatigue will be a major factor this week, with King and doubles partner Paul Coll, ranked ninth in the world, playing every day, often multiple times.

King also teams up with Rotorua-based Amanda Landers-Murphy in the women's doubles.

While the usual ice baths and massage recovery methods will be in full swing, King also revealed finding time to read The Alchemist, the Brazilian novel about following your dreams, would be essential to her plans. Given the pressure on her, the book choice seems rather fitting.

"It's the little two per centers that can count; a little flat white and going away with a book somewhere in my own space is just as important as doing the physical work for me.

"I know what I'm in for. Recovery is probably the most important thing and mentally trying to keep yourself fresh. There's not a lot of opportunities when you can take yourself off on your own for some quiet time but I've found that's really important for me to make sure I'm up for it.'

New Zealand squash coach Glen Wilson, gold medallist alongside Leilani Rorani in the mixed doubles at the 2002 Manchester Games, is confident King and company can deliver. "Paul and Joelle are two of the fittest and strongest on the professional tour. Even if they are tired, the mentality and heart will kick in."