After 15 years on the circuit, ten-time Dutch
champion and the highest-ranked Dutchman of all time, Laurens
Jan Anjema has called time on his professional squash career.
 "After
15 years on the road and a very testing last season I've decided
to quit my career as a professional squash player.
"It obviously hasn't been an easy decision for me, however, it's
one I'm 100% at peace with. There's a fine line between
heroically trying to achieve something or repeatedly banging
your head against a wall.
"During last season I've experienced the latter too much. As an
athlete I need to be honest with myself, and recognize when a
comeback is no longer realistic. I've played eight tournaments
during the last few months and have hardly seen any improvements
in my results.
"My career would have always had a bad aftertaste, had I been
forced into retirement after injury and loss of financial
backing of the Dutch Olympic Committee.
"At least now I've given it a shot, and I have zero regrets
about that!
"I've had a fantastic career, and experienced some very special
moments, on as well as off-court."
VIDEO: LJ talks about his career and
his retirement
Anjema now joins his
sponsor, Hero Business Solutions, on an internship specialising
in IT mediation.
LJ has been a great role model for the sport in
our country as well as far beyond the borders. His dedication
and professionalism has been inspiring and it has been a
privilege to help him in his career after I retired from
professional squash.
 I
will never forget the match he played against Greg Gaultier at
the World Championship in Rotterdam in 2011.
The atmosphere in
the New Luxor Theatre was electrifying and he nearly caused a
huge upset in front of his home crowd.
I have no doubt that LJ will do extremely well in his life after
(professional) squash.
He will probably need some time to figure
out what exactly he wants to do in this next chapter, but
knowing him it will be a guaranteed success.
|
Jun 2016 :
LJ Harrow Interview |
