Q&A: Joelle King, World No 5 squash player

Joelle King. Photo / Richard Robinson

Q: Welcome Joelle. You're back home in Cambridge for a break from the world circuit. How old were you when you first picked up a racquet?

About 4 years old. My Mum's friend used to babysit me and I'd pick up her squash racquet. She used to throw the ball at me and said she was amazed I could hit it back more than miss it.

Q: When did you decide to go fulltime?

Probably when I was 18 at the world junior championships in Hong Kong (in 2007, when she finished third).You've had a few highlights in your career so far. Pick one as the real standout.The Commonwealth Games [in Delhi in 2010]. The whole of the finals day was pretty special. I won the women's doubles [with recently-retired Jaclyn Hawkes] then got second in the mixed [with Martin Knight].

Q: Did that gold/silver double change your profile at home?

People who are sports lovers would say "aah, you're that squash player". But I guess that was a turning point. I got recognised more and that's probably the pinnacle for New Zealand squash at the moment.

Q: Which brings us nicely to the Olympics. Squash is on the shortlist for a place in 2020. You're 24 now. If squash makes it, do you reckon you'll be there?

100 per cent, if I'm not on a walking stick! That's the ultimate goal for me. To at least compete at one Olympics would be my dream.You can make one change to squash.

Q: What would it be?

Venues. They've started taking it to shopping malls, places like that. But creating venues specifically for squash that can get many more spectators in to see the game I love. Trying to get people in closer to the action, because I feel it needs a bit more atmosphere.

Q: You're back up to your career high No 5. Short of tying (longtime world No 1) Nicol David's shoe laces together, how do you beat her?

There's two up the top, Nicol and (England's) Laura Massaro. They are probably mentally the strongest. That's an avenue I've just started going down with sports psychologist David Galbraith. I feel I've got the physical attributes, tactical and technical, and I'm just trying to work on the mental side a bit more.

Q: The good and bad sides of your life?

I've got a great life, doing something I love for a living.

Q: The bad?

Not sleeping in my own bed and it's tough to be away from my husband (banker and former Northern Districts cricketer Ryan Shutte) and family for long periods.

Q: Cheese or chocolate?

Chocolate. I'm a secret sweet tooth. When I'm training I have to stay off it but when I go on holiday that's my little indulgence.

Q: Name the sports person you most admire.

Roger Federer. I met his manager and just hearing some of the things he does I really admire him. But also he's stepped up this year and been a huge support of squash becoming an Olympic sport.

Q: You can invite anyone to dinner. Who would you choose?

That's a really tough one. Roger Federer, Brad Pitt and my husband. I'll get brownie points for that!

Q: How long will you keep going?

While the passion is there and while I'm giving it 110 per cent I'll keep playing. If I'm not committed any more that will be time to move on. The true test of character is when things are not going well and you have to dig your way out of those tough places.

While the fires are still burning I'll carry on for sure.

Q: Is there one piece of advice you're received which remains close to your heart?

My parents always told me to follow my dreams, give everything 100 per cent then you can look back and never regret anything. That's one I've always tried to stand by and go with.