Part 2 continued....

What else kept you occupied through the summer?

Upon return from Australia, i began my next stint of an 8 week training program. Lots of strength and conditioning was planned, and I was extremely excited to get started.  I continued my part-time job working at All Saints. I enjoy this opportunity, which takes my focus away from squash 24/7, and the working colleges are good friends of mine. 

I also made sure to catch up with some of my close friends at home. Stability in life is very important, and balance of social downtime mixed with the professional sports athlete is crucial to prevent burnout I feel. M.Howe, a great reliable friend and I resumed our weekly Friday food conversations, and shared the previous 6 weeks of our lives. I caught up and socialised with my friends from school, and settled back into the routine of home.. Food cooked, washing done and my own transport.

That’s all in the present, lets go back to when it started, when and why did you start playing squash?

When did you win your first competition? You still have the trophy ?

First competition win seems a blur, but winning the Cammarthen Junior under 12's seems to ring bells, and regards to the trophy, its in the attic I'm sure.



When did you realize or think that squash could be a big part of your life?

- Squash in general changed in the year of 2001 for me. My parents could see by the age of 14 that my love for the game was started to take shape, and maybe i had some potential in the sport. They sent me to Jonah Barrington's Summer Squash Academy, and although the euphoria glow around Jonah was beyond belief, my knowledge was slightly misted. I sweated my heart and soul out on them courts for the next five days, for a yet unknown reward that would not only sculpture my squash career, but my whole life ahead of me. I had never pushed so hard, and ran as many court-sprints in my life. With Junior J.B screaming down my neck to go faster, i could only obey.. The end of the 4th day arrived and Jonah approached my with a proposition beyond my own belief. I remember every exact would as if it was yesterday, "how would you like to come to a school like this my boy"


http://www.omsociety.com/old-millfieldians/sports-news/Sports-News-Squash/



If you were not a squash player, what sport do you think you would be playing?

Well my passion of rugby is strong, and my school days of playing were most enjoyable. Unfortunately, as much as I love the sport I believe with my height and size, my career couldn't of blossomed in the sport as much as I would of liked.

How is the squash coaching? Do you see coaching as a natural progression for you after playing? What sort of coach would you describe yourself as?


Coaching seems a natural progression for any professional squash player, however the coaching life isn't easy one, and isn't for everyone. I could see myself coaching in the states full time for a few years but not for an extended period. I have a passion for fashion, and hope that may take me somewhere in life, whether it be designing, buying or merchandising. However, most of my life i have spent in sport, and could see a future in this field. Who knows, people's ideas change.. so watch this space. 



Who is your sporting idle? Any other influences outside of sport? 

Well I have many idles and influences I look up to. I believe that there are people like Armstrong, Ali and Federrer that you look up to, but there are the more important people than personally have a huge influence on your life.

The first person who made a massive impact for me was Jonah Barrington. J.B not only taught me about the physical side of the game, but also the mental strength needed to succeed in such a tough sport. Jonah's influences not only helped my sporting abilities, but extended to my outlook in life, and what I would need to sacrifice if i were to achieve anything in and out of the game. This man is great, his experience  and aura is something that you only get caught up in while spending time around him.


The other great influences in my life are my parents, and the stability they show behind the scenes. I have the up most respect for them, and truly believe that my career pays most credit to their dedication, to help me fulfill my dreams, goals and ambitions. My parents are very different people, and level me in their own ways. My mother is like my best friend, the talkative one, always there to listen, night or day. She helps me make decisions in my life and sways me when I'm uncertain. Whereas my father is the quiet one, shy one some say. Very emotional yet emotionless.  Although, he feels like my older brother, someone i can hang out with, learn allot from both positive and negative. His desire for my game is beyond imaginable.


Currently no. 123 in the world, a career high, what is the next goal? 

I am off to North America for two month stint, which consists of 6-7 Tournaments. I hope to be as close to the top 100 in the World by the time I return in preparation for the new year ahead.

I will spend October right through to December on the other side of the World, with a busy schedule of competitions. Return for celebrations and time with the family before i plan my excursions for the New Year of 2011.


Finally any words of advice for any up and coming juniors who are currently playing and entering competitions??

Train hard, be wise and do what you need to improve your game. Everyone is unique and progress your game in the way you believe how.  Be happy, stay positive, but always think more can be done. Lastly listen to your body and mind, its good at telling you when to rest, when you need to do more and when to be sincere...

If your fortunate and lucky in life, be sure not to waste it. Never regret.