|
|
 |
|
What they said
... |
 19-Jul-06:
AND NOW,
THE END IS NEAR…
Framboise reports from the RAC Club where
The Boss yesterday announced his retirement |
|
 On
one of the hottest days of the year, of the century, should I say,
I’m sure that the men reunited to salute the departure of the Boss
in the RAC Club, London, England, were really over the moon to have
to wear a tie…
“I’m really pleased to share with you one of my ties’ exclusive
collection”, joked England Squash Chief Executive Nick Rider,
sitting next to the 33 year old Peter Nicol in front of an audience
of squash aficionados.
But it was all to try to disperse the emotion that was floating in
the air...
“I think you will have to bear with me, I came here thinking that it
was all going to be about my future, but I had no idea how emotional
this was going to be to announce my retirement from the game, which
for 15 years has been a big part of my life,” started Peter,
trying very hard to not let the emotion strangle him…
But as the professional he is, he dispersed any traces of trembling
in his voice, and went on with the speech he had written especially
for the occasion.
Methodically, he started by thanking all the people that helped in
the preparation of the day, especially Lianne Price and Howard
Harding from England Squash. And then came the words that we were
all dreading to hear…
 "Basically,
I’m announcing my retirement from the PSA Tour today. I will
only be playing a couple more events, although I will still be
playing League matches and exhibitions.
"I honestly thought that this was going to happen a little bit
earlier. After the Commonwealth Games in March, I gave it
everything I had, both mentally and physically, and I found it
very hard after that to play professionally and to focus on
what I was supposed to do.
"But then I heard from a couple of the Egyptians that maybe it
was going to be possible to play in front of the Pyramids one
more time. I thought I couldn’t pass up that opportunity. I’ve
always done well in the Al-Ahram tournament, the highlight
would be when I won the world Open in '99 against Barada, and
I thought, for my last event, it’s got to be in front of the
Pyramids.
"My last event in the UK will be the English Open, hoping to
retain my title." |
That was it. There was no turning back,
was there. And as the Boss went on talking about his best memories,
about how looking forward the future he was, my mind drifted back to
two years ago, as I was talking with him at the English Open about
his plans for the future.
 “To
paraphrase Jonah Barrington who told a journalist that the day he
stopped playing squash, he would die, I would say “the day I stop
playing squash, I’ll start to live,” he told me then, with an
assured and determined voice.
Mmmm. I’m sure he meant it. But I’m also sure that today was
actually the first day he realised that “the end was near”, and what
it meant to actually retire.
All the images that must have come to his mind. All the faces,
memories, snapshots of failure and victories, the climbing up the
ladder, the soaring at the top, the doubts, the ecstasy, the
wondering, the meaning of it all, and suddenly…
The end, my friends…
Today, for the first time, the Boss realised that he was turning the
page… As one of Peter's oldest friends and Prince sponsor Andy
Bunting told me:
"I
believe yesterday at the RAC Club the reality of what Peter
was about to do really hit him.
 "He was announcing his retirement from a sport that had been
his life for the last fourteen years.
"In all the years I've known him and the many times I've sat
with him just prior to a big final, I've never seen him so
nervous or emotional.
"This was a big day for Peter, make no mistake about that."
What about us though? What about us
who’ve been following him, admiring, worshiping him even? Well,
today was not the day. Now, when Mr Peter Nicol plays his last match
in Cairo in September, let me tell you that…
But let’s
cross our bridges when we come to them, shall we????
 |
Nicol Names the Day
report from the RAC Club
|
 |
|
WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT THE BOSS ... |
 "What
Peter has done for the game cannot be underestimated.
"From the early beginnings, with his unwavering and
absolute belief that he could dethrone Jansher Khan as
the best player in the world, through great rivalries
in so many theatres in front of so many spectators,
with the time he has spent coaching kids and regular
club members at numerous Squash Clubs in numerous
countries, and now and into the future because of the
new events on the calendar due to him and his team at
Eventis.
"I know not a humbler champion or tougher competitor
in any sphere of sport and it was the most fitting and
sensational climax to an amazing career for him to
clinch the individual Gold Medal in Melbourne for the
second time. You couldn't have written a better script
with a sweeter ending. I can't wait for the book!
"It's been an absolute pleasure and privilege to
compete against, play alongside and work with, Peter
through his career. The game has lost a great player
on the court but is fortunate enough to keep a great
ambassador in the VIP area!!"
former England team captain & two-times member of
world team title-winning squad |
 "It’s
been a privilege to have been part of the England
Squads and teams that Peter Nicol has been involved
in. I’ve been lucky that my transition from junior to
senior has occurred with the likes of Peter for
guidance and inspiration."
England team-mate |
|
 "Peter
has become the ultimate Squash professional, who has
conducted his career with vision and long-term
planning which make him the perfect role model for
future generations of players. I am delighted that he
plans to continue to be involved with Squash as his
expertise is invaluable – it is vital that he
continues to play a leading role."
CEO of the World Squash Federation |
 "The
first time I discovered Peter was in the juniors. I
remember him playing in the World Junior Championships in
Paderborn (in 1990) and the British Open at the Lambs
Squash Club. He was already impressive but did not win
those tournaments. But it was just a question of time.
"When I started
to play the tour at 18 years old, Peter was already
breaking through the top 10 in the world rankings!!!!!
"Julien Bonetat was our best player at the time, but I was
more inspired by the way Peter was so strong and
professional. His fitness abilities, mental strength and
his intelligence of the game made him a role model for me
in my personal process of improvement.
"I have a lot of respect for him on and off court - and
the few wins I had against him matter a lot in my career."
former world No1 (France) |
|
 "Well
it's about time – that's all I can say!
"Peter has been an inspiration to so many squash
players the world over - good, bad and ugly. It goes
without saying: He is as near as perfect an
ambassador the game of squash has had. It will be
strange not to see him at tournaments playing. He is
as competitive as hell and I'm sure he'll miss it.
"I remember watching him as a 14-year-old. I watched
him on videos and live, taking on Jansher then
beating him and then dominating squash. He would
lose as well, but next time he would learn and come
back stronger, and that is an incredibly important
asset to have as a squash player.
"Playing for England with him was a pleasure and
most memories of Peter's squash come from those
times. But the Commonwealth singles gold in
Melbourne is the performance I'll remember most. It
was complete and masterful and downright brutal. It
summed up Peter and the passion in his eyes and
expressions were extreme. It was an amazing sporting
moment.
"He is not just about squash. He's been a friend to
everyone in the England team. Away from the court,
he's been fun, although his behaviour at the parties
after a few drinks is at times a disgrace! His dress
sense also leaves much to be desired, the purple
suit at Canary Wharf a highlight in that respect,
though I admire his bravery and willingness to be
different!
"He's a great guy and deserves all the plaudits and
compliments he gets, and deservedly they will flood
in. I wish him the best, and am glad to say we won't
have seen the back of him!"
England team-mate |
|
 |
 |
 "In
my opinion, Peter Nicol has earned the right to be named
as one of the best players to ever play the game. Not
only have his achievements been second to none, but the
manner in which he has attained them is a model for any
professional sportsman.
"It's an honour to be able to call Peter a close friend
- he's someone I've learned a great deal from over the
years. The two (Commonwealth Games) gold medals I won
with Peter are among the biggest highlights of my career
– and something that will be with us for the rest of our
lives.
"Squash will be losing one of its greatest ambassadors -
but I'm sure Peter will achieve great things in whatever
he chooses to do."
England team-mate and two-times Commonwealth Games
Doubles gold medal-winning partner |
|
 "Peter
is a figurehead for all that is good in our sport.
Although his retirement leaves a big hole, I’m
delighted that he will continue to work with
England Squash, using his unrivalled skill and
experience to inspire the next generation of
champions. We could have no one better to do it!"
Chairman, England Squash
|
"I got involved
with Peter when he was about 18, as my association
with fellow left-hander Chris Dittmar was coming
to an end. Shortly afterwards, 'Ditts' called me
from Hong Kong, where he was by now covering the
HK Open as a journalist, saying that he had seen
Peter for the first time – and that 'he's going to
be a great star of the future, who would go all
the way to the top'.
"Peter has been a wonderful ambassador for our
company, both in pure publicity terms, but also
when he's been a guest at our company functions,
meeting our customers, etc.
"In simple terms, Peter is a sponsor's dream – and
the relationship we have had has been thoroughly
enjoyable."
Managing Director
of Pursers Volkswagen, long-time sponsors of Peter
Nicol |
|
 "I
remember first coming across Peter in my last World Open
in Pakistan in 1993, when he had a good run as a qualifier
– then went on to lead the next generation of players in
the sport.
"He has become one of the great world number ones and
world champions who has achieved much for Squash, both in
his own country and internationally – and he is certain to
continue to give a lot to the sport in his retirement."
Pakistan's record ten-times British Open champion, now
President of the World Squash Federation |
|
 "I
was in England in 1992 and in the good care of
Andrew Shelley, who took me off to the finals of the
Junior National Championships. This was the first
time that I saw Peter play and win - but certainly
not the last time!
"Peter started coming to Hong Kong the following
year when he joined the PSA World Circuit and
continued to faithfully support the Cathay Pacific
Squash Open right through to the World Open last
December. Not only was Peter a role model sportsman
on the court, while off the court he put tremendous
effort into promoting the game.
"Whether it was asking him to don a special Chinese
outfit (which always suited him) for a photo shot;
do a sponsor's or kid's clinic; talk with the press
or sign autographs for his many fans - Peter did it
all with tremendous enthusiasm.
"The Hong Kong Office staff were always keen to know
when he would be arriving in town and look for him
to have a friendly chat ... Peter never
disappointed.
"Hong Kong is extremely proud to have Peter's name
on their Open trophy, that he won in 1999, 2000 and
2002 .... a true champion!
"Thank you Peter, you have been a fantastic
ambassador for the game and I personally wish you
every successful in the future."
promoter of
the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Open |
|
"Peter Nicol's superior athletic skill and fierce
competitive determination made him a squash
champion, but his grace, generosity and
thoughtfulness make him a timeless sporting hero.
"Squash is fortunate to have had many legendary
players, but few, if any, served in their prime as
Peter has as a complete ambassador and role model.
The sport has been blessed to have more than a
decade of Peter's positive influence and outstanding
achievements."
Tournament
Chairman, Canadian Classic, Tournament of Champions
and US Open |
 "Firstly
I would like to congratulate Peter on a fantastic career.
His commitment, hard work and mental toughness has set
the benchmark for many a future player.
"I think if we could have put together his strengths and
mine we probably could have made a decent player!"
former world No1 ( Canada) |
|
 "I
first saw Peter Nicol play at Durham Squash Club, in a
British Junior National Championship which had in it Peter
Marshall, Simon Parke and David Campion - three players
who went on to grace the game. At that time, he travelled
in their wake, but for several years now, he has been in
no-one's wake.
"I didn't get to know him well until he switched to
England, though it was not difficult to admire him from a
distance.
"Knowing him now, as I do, my respect and admiration are
even greater, not just for his remarkable achievements,
but for his qualities as a person.
"The England camp has benefited enormously from his
presence, and I know from a personal point of view just
how much he has affected both Lee and James.
"As the foremost squash player in the world, he has set
and continues to set a wonderful example of honesty and
fair play - often rare commodities in sport today – and we
should be grateful to him for that.
"What he achieved in Melbourne was the stuff that dreams
and legends are made of – and, watching him in the final
of the singles, I was left with the feeling that nothing
was going to stop him that day.
"Articulate, modest, understated, he may not get the
recognition he deserves - but I have stated on several
occasions that he is the best player the world has seen.
"He has played through by far the most competitive age in
the history of the game and staved off the sustained
challenge of Jonathon Power, himself a genius, amongst
many others. To have shown in Melbourne that, at 33, that
he could still do it was a triumph of will.
"I can't believe he will be lost to the game – indeed that
would be a tragedy for the sport – nor do I think, without
knowing, that he will be.
"Whatever direction he travels in, the world of squash
should be grateful to him for his massive contribution as
a player and a person."
leading English
coach, including players such as Lee Beachill and James
Willstrop |
|
 "It
has been my honour and privilege to have known and worked
with Peter for the last 14 years.
"When he joined Prince at the age of 18, how could anyone
have known what an outstanding player Peter would turn out
to be? There was never any doubt that he was going to be
good, but little did I know that I had just signed a young
player who would turn out to be one of the greatest
players, if not the greatest, of all time.
"His value to Prince has been immense, his loyalty to the
Company unshakeable. He is without doubt the perfect
ambassador. He has represented Prince on many, many
occasions - at exhibitions, clinics, sales conferences,
etc, and he has always given much more than his
contractual obligations.
"When he finally hangs up his racket and takes a
well-earned rest from the circuit, it will be a sad day
for the game of Squash, as he will leave a void almost
impossible to fill. His very presence at a tournament
always created a "buzz" - his very presence at a Peter
Nicol Exhibition evening always ensured a full house. He
always played the game with the utmost honesty and
integrity and never gave less than a 100%. In terms of a
role model - they just don't come any better!
"Fortunately for me, our long term business relationship
has also turned into a close friendship, which I value
greatly.
"I wish Peter every possible success in his new career,
which I know will have very close links to the world of
Squash. Peter will tell you he owes Squash a lot, and
maybe he does, but his contribution to this wonderful
sport of ours has been incalculable.
"To be number one in the world in any sport is a notable
achievement. To be number one for five years is just
extraordinary - and shows a huge amount of focus and
dedication."
Prince Sports'
International Player Promotions Manager |
|
 |
 "I
was so fortunate to meet Peter Nicol when I finished
playing the circuit and began coaching players. What
impressed me from the start was his thirst for knowledge
and his appetite for a phenomenal amount of hard work.
Whatever I threw at him, he was able to absorb and
immediately turn it into something productive.
"His ability even very early on to solve the complexities
of squash really did belie his age. Squash as we know is
physical chess and Peter Nicol became a grand master in a
very short space of time, instinctively playing his shots
in an order that was guaranteed to inflict the most damage
on an opponent. This, coupled with his iron will and never
say die attitude, has produced the most complete player of
all time.
"He also happened to be one of the most generous people I
have ever met, especially with his time. If there was a
big or small charity event, Peter was there; if there was
an opportunity to promote this wonderful game of ours,
then Peter was there; and if you happened to be in his
company as a spectator, fan, media representative or any
one else, then Peter would always find some time for you -
indeed a very rare and special quality in this day and
age.
 "Rudyard
Kipling wrote: 'If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
and treat those two impostors just the same ……' Peter
Nicol did that, and set the finest example not only as a
squash player but as a sportsman in the truest sense of
the word.
"A team player through and through, his influence on
others has been equally profound: Just look at the young
English guys flourishing as men's world champions and
Commonwealth Games winners. Looking back to the early
years, who apart from we English can forget when he
inspired a Scottish team against England to their only
European success?
"It has been an absolute privilege for me to have to have
coached him and an honour for all of us to have seen him
play, marvelling at his wonderful skills for the past 14
years.
"For me he leaves a legacy: To play as hard as you can and
yet play harder, all the while enjoying something you
love, played in a spirit that leaves you with a sense of
pride and an admiration of something that is example to us
all.
"I wish Peter a very happy and healthy retirement."
Nicol's coach from 1992
to 2002 |
|
   |
Six in the morning and she couldn't stay in bed any longer. She
got up and then went directly to the computer. A strange
feeling…doubt, fear, excitement, impatience…
The page was loading but she quickly minimized the window. She
opened another page and as she was scrolling it down, she saw
the picture of Andre Agassi…"Agassi farewell tour concludes."…
Her glance dropped down to the floor, before she could finish
the line. The night before she didn't have the patience to check
the news, but then she did not have the heart to even maximize
the window. Slowly, weakly and fearfully she pressed her finger
on the mouse. Her glance hanging on a couple of red words…"I'm
done"…
She sank quietly into the moment. Every second was stretching
for hours. She wanted to touch the time and to turn it back…How
cruel of her...
She read on, murmuring the words with a trembling voice…She read
on…Her eyes were getting warm and wet and the chain of words
were getting blurred…
She stopped reading, wiped off her tears and then closed her
eyes, imagining the majestic beauty of the moment when her hero
was stepping down the stage as the final act of his play was
over.
The crowd floored by the glory of that historic moment,
applauding and cheering him so loudly though they were silently
and secretly crying on the inside.
She saved the last pictures to the "Peter Nicol" folder and then
closed it.
She had been treasuring up every picture, every clip and every
article ever since she was introduced to the fantastic world of
Squash…a treasure that would always give her the true sense of
inspiration in every way.
Motionless, speechless, staring at the monitor…feeling so proud
of sharing that with hundreds of people around the world who'd
just witnessed their idol, their hero, their legend, gracefully
bidding farewell to the passionate world of professional Squash.
A fan
Tehran, 4 Sep. 2006
|
Congratulation Peter and thanks for all you did for squash.
Phil Soria |
You have been
an absolutely wonderful champion and a role model both on and
off the court. Your determination, focus, and will power was
second to none. In my mind, you will go down as one of the top 5
squash players of all time. It is amazing that your career ends
almost at the exact same moment as another great champion and
role model, Andre Agassi. Despite your great victories, the most
enduring memory of your career that I will take away is the
sportsmanship and class you always showed on court, even when
your opponents were losing their cool. You played every ball and
never fished for lets, even if it cost you the point. You always
called your own double bounces. YOU ARE A CLASS ACT PETER AND A
GREAT CHAMPION. YOU WILL BE SORELY MISSED!
THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES.
Jonathan |
He's a true
champion.
Honesty, less pay and fitter to name a few qualities - people
wonder why I admire squash players more than footballers. Peter
Nicol epitimises all that's good and great about squash.
Adam Hildred |
A squash draw
will never look the same without "The Boss" in it.
Anon |
I second
that. The events will never be the same without Peter in them,
he made them special and the squash world has soo much to owe
this great man. He is without doubt one of the greatest
sportsmen ever and reading that he had played his last match
just now sent shivers down my spine. Thank you Peter for
everything you have given us your fans and everything you have
done for squash. Everyone is going to miss seeing you play.
JP |
Thanks to
such a great man who has inspired many myself included, and no
draw will be the same he's provided us with so much
entertainment over the years and has been a real asset to us in
the squash world!
one hopes he will carry on and keep putting in so much, we all
owe him so much!
Thank You Pete
Lee H |
|
"Peter
Nicol has been the model player of his generation. He has won
every title there is to win in professional squash and set
standards of play and behaviour that may remain unsurpassed.
Many see Peter as the greatest player ever - that is a heady
accolade and one that would be disputed by at least his old
nemesis Jonathon Power who recently also retired from the
game.
"It has been a privilege to
be at the start and at the end of Peter's squash career – to
have shared this journey and watch him grow from a talented
young player into one of the best players of all time. 
