Triple Squash Interview: Part 2 - World Number 12 Daryl Selby

Published in Nerve Magazine September 2011


In the second interview with Britain's best squash players, Toby Gray asks world number 12 Daryl Selby why he chose squash, 2012, and the big strides needed to place the sport in a much needed media spotlight. 

How’s your year been?

The last 12 months have been my most successful to date, I was obviously delighted to become British Champion in February and also reaching the top 10 in the world rankings. Both were major goals of mine and to reach them gave me a great boost.

What made you choose squash?

My Dad got me started playing squash when I was 5 years old and I immediately loved playing. I find the sport fast and ever changing, finding myself in different situations every time I play which makes it a very addictive sport.

How is the state of squash in the UK?

The state of squash in the England is strong in the senior ranks (I’m not sure how the other countries in the UK are doing) with ourselves and Egypt dominating many of the top spots in both the men’s and women’s rankings. England squash have got many good initiatives going to try and increase participation and our new national coach Chris Robertson has brought some impetus into the elite side of the coaching. We just need a few more juniors to come through as Egypt seem to be completely dominating all junior events currently.

What needs to be done to boost coverage squash?

I think the media is very important in raising the profile of the sport. People need to know how good England is at squash! It’s easier said than done but I think there are a lot of people putting a lot of time and effort into getting squash recognised and the profile hopefully increased.

With 2012 under a year away, and with squash coming so close to the Olympic programme, what do you make of the exclusion?

Obviously it’s disappointing for squash to be continually overlooked as a potential Olympic sport. I believe it has all the credentials to be included and is a ‘classic’ Olympic sport with a gold medal being the pinnacle for any squash player. I think it all comes down to money these days and the IOC have just seen the dollar sign by including golf. I hope squash can get included in the future but unfortunately I will never be able to play as I’ll be far too old!

Finally, 5 years time, where do you see yourself

I have no idea where I will be in 5 years time. If I’m not still playing then hopefully earning plenty of money somewhere!


Check out the magazine layout of this article, designed by me - http://issuu.com/tobygray/docs/squash