Coach Liz Irving having a word with Nicol David during her successful playing days.
PETALING JAYA: At a time when women's squash coach was not in demand, Australian Liz Irving took Malaysia's Nicol David under her wings.
The Irving and Nicol combo was the only woman-athlete coach partnership on the court during the era in the mid 2000s but the duo have proved beyond doubt they are the most successful.
Based in Amsterdam, former world No. 2 Irving's coaching and special devotion to Nicol saw the Malaysian winning eight world titles starting from 2005. The pocket dynamite was also unbeatable in the worlds in 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014.
Nicol gave a special shout-out to her mentor on her 49th birthday yesterday.
"Liz, we can proudly say we’re both eight times world champions and we did it together," said Nicol on her social media.
"On your birthday, I want to remind you how much your guidance and being my role model have changed my life.
"We worked together for 16 years, we were the only female coach and athlete working together in the squash world and I can proudly say we made history," said Nicol.
Nicol pointed out that coaching was rare among women decades back but Irving paved the way for many with her single-minded determination to row upstream with her presence.
"In a time when female coaches didn't have the same respect, and opportunities, Liz stepped up to change the landscape and showed me the leadership and vision needed to develop, groom and nurture a holistic athlete.
"I'm grateful to Liz for being my role model and I take all that I've learnt from her in everything I do in my life today.''
Nicol said Irving allowed her to be herself.
"I want to thank you for also tolerating all my hair colours and haircuts... I look back now and I can't believe I did it," said Nicol.
"Happy birthday Liz and I just want to remind you that we have proved this partnership worked and I'm proud to say we became the most successful coach-player combo in the women's game in any sport to achieve all that we did together.''
With Irving-Nicol proving to be dynamic during their time together, it is a timely reminder for all women coaches in Malaysia that they are capable of producing world-beaters if they persevere on.
