The coveted ‘GOAT’ title: Many aspire, but few attain.
In any field, but particularly athletics, there’s always a vigorous debate among fans and followers as to who the GOAT really is… that’s the ‘Greatest Of All Time’ in case you’re wondering. Well, in one such conversation, now there’s a clear champion!
Winner of 81 professional titles, including eight world titles, Malaysia’s undefeated squash queen Nicol David has now been officially crowned the World Games Greatest Athlete of All Time!
Although she was the only Asian candidate, Nicole topped the global online poll conducted by The World Games with the most votes (318,943 total). The poll ended at 9pm Malaysian time on February 1, 2021.
The 37-year-old former world number one, who held a record unbroken nine-year reign (from 2005 to 2014), out-polled 23 other well-respected athletes in their own fields of professional sport, from all editions of the World Games’ 40-year history of the poll. On winning her latest accolade, the squash champ had this to say:
“It’s a huge honour to be nominated by the World Games for this award and to gain so much support from everyone in Malaysia and the squash community. It certainly came as a surprise to see me amongst these top athletes, and I’m grateful for this. Hopefully, this award can elevate more attention for the future of squash, and it’s also a proud moment for Malaysia and Asia.”
World Squash Federation (WSF) President Zena Woolridge heartily congratulated Nicol on winning the title.
“Nicol has beaten a number of distinguished athletes to first place, and her victory is recognition of a wonderful career that saw her break numerous records,” said Woolridge. “Not only is Nicol one of the greatest athletes of all time, she is also a tremendous role model for thousands of people across the globe and a true ambassador of the sport. I’m delighted to see the support Nicol enjoyed from our passionate and loyal squash community and we are all proud to see her named as the World Games’ Greatest Athlete of All Time.”
Coming in second in the poll by a far mile is Ireland’s tug-of-war athlete, James Kehoe, who had 113,120 votes, while Ukraine’s powerlifter Larysa Solovlova came third with 80,790 votes.
Congratulations, Nicol!
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