Nicol David’s Olympic experience and representing squash at Paris 2024

Former World No.1 and eight-time world champion Nicol David recently represented squash at the Olympic Games as Malaysia’s deputy chef de mission (DCM) for the Paris 2024 Games   

Last year, squash was announced as one of the new sports for the LA 2028 Olympic Games, with the excitement and opportunities discussed at this year’s Squash Summit, hosted by the PSA Foundation in collaboration with the World Squash Federation (WSF).  

Nicol speaks about this prestigious honour, the importance of the Olympics as a platform for our sport and advice for squash players representing their nation at the next games.

“My experience for the Olympic Games was really an extraordinary games for me, and my experience there was truly remarkable. Getting to be with the Malaysian team, adding to the room of the athletes and understanding what goes on behind the scenes of these athletes, as well as for me, is a great eye opener. “ 

“One of the highlights that I will have to say is watching our Malaysian team and the athletes, they’re going out and competing for their country, and they put their heart and soul into their matches.”  

“My role as the deputy chef de mission for the Malaysian contingent was actually to oversee the whole Malaysian team when it comes to scheduling transportation, making sure the support staff is in place.” 

“We are there to assist as much as possible to ensure a smooth sailing, games for them and, for all our athletes there. We just want to be the support system. I was there for every match that was with our Malaysian team as much as I can, because there were so many games going on at the same time.” 

“To me, being the deputy chef de mission was like a dream come true to actually be leading the team to represent something that is so much bigger than myself.” 

“It’s actually for the whole team and for our athletes. And that’s where I felt so much pride.” 

“Touching on the pressure, in the Olympic Games as opposed to the Commonwealth Games or Asian Games, it’s quite similar in terms of the fact that you have to represent the country to deliver those medals, but I feel that the Olympic Games is another three steps up in terms of the intensity of the pressure that these athletes face.   

“My advice to all the squash players that are going to be preparing right now and going to the Olympic Games in four years’ time, just be ready like you always do for any competition, it’s going to be intense. It’s going to be something that is nothing [like you have] seen before.” 

“But just expect everything to happen and know that it’s the moment to shine and just go for what you’re capable of doing.”