The future

Peter Nicol has already identified three major projects that will occupy his time in 'retirement'.  In addition to becoming a Team England Ambassador for 2010 for the Commonwealth Games Council for England these, his services have been retained by England Squash as a guide and mentor to the governing body’s National Academy.

"Peter will be teaching the best young aspiring players the business of competing – and winning – in the World arena, a subject in which he is of course uniquely qualified," explained England Squash CEO Nick Rider.

Leading his new career will be a 'greater commitment' to Eventis Sports Marketing Ltd, the company he founded with fellow former squash players Tim Garner and Angus Kirkland. Launched in 2003, Eventis already stages two major PSA Tour events – the Mamut English Open, at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, and the ISS Canary Wharf Classic in London – and last year launched the highly-successful World Squash Awards in London.

"I'm looking forward to becoming much more involved with Eventis than I have been able to be so far, playing a more active role day-to-day and helping to develop new areas for the company as well as expanding the relationships we already have with our current associates," Nicol explained. 

A new venture is Peter Nicol Squash Limited, a company he has formed with David Weddell, the former team manager of Eastcote Squash Club, the first ever English club team Nicol played for - 14 years ago! 

"That was some team – including Paul Carter, John Ransome, Neil Harvey and Martin Bodimeade!" mused Nicol.  "David and I lost contact shortly after that, but came across each other again recently and, over a period of a few months, came up with the idea of a company to offer management advice and guidance to younger squash players."

The venture, which has close links with racket brand Prince, was launched with fast-rising Malaysian Mohd Azlan Iskandar, who now boasts a career-high world ranking of 12. 

In October last year, Peter Nicol Squash attracted another Malaysian star, the record two-times women's world junior champion Nicol David.  Within a few weeks of signing both to the company and Prince, David won the British Open crown for the first time – then in December clinched her maiden World Open title to become No1 in the first women's world rankings of the New Year!

"With David Weddell's commercial skills and passion for the game, and my experience as an international sportsman – coupled with the strong link with Prince - we offer considerable expertise and support for players like Azlan and Nicol."

Discovery of Power-Plate, a pioneering vibration technology fitness concept, has led Peter Nicol to launch a further initiative:  The LifeStyle Centre Ltd. 

Nicol was introduced to the Power-Plate concept by Swiss squash international Lars Harms over a year ago – with the result that he incorporated the philosophy into his preparation for the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

"I started using it in January - it ultimately gave me back my confidence and without it I would not have had the belief in my body to achieve what I did in Melbourne," said Nicol candidly. "It's a concept which can change your way of living – across the spectrum from top athletes downwards.

"I believe passionately in Power-Plate, which is why I am pursuing this concept in the LifeStyle Centre venture."

Nicol, in partnership with Lars Harms, will open the first LifeStyle Centre in London soon.  The facility will offer a wide range of health benefits for a broad range of customers.

"I am very, very excited about all of the new initiatives which are going to occupy me from now on," said Nicol.  "I feel very privileged – after all, how many people get the chance to start a completely new life, like this?

"I have had a wonderful 14 years in squash – and would highly recommend life as a professional sportsman to anyone. 

"But I have a smile on my face and I'm now looking forward to what this new life is going to offer," concluded Nicol.

Tributes

England Squash have led a flood of tributes that have been paid to Peter Nicol following news of his impending retirement:  "Peter is a figurehead for all that is good in our sport," said Chairman Jackie Robinson, while Nick Rider added: "Peter truly deserves the tag of greatness."

Ann Hogbin, Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Games Council for England, states that "Peter has been a terrific ambassador both for his sport and for Team England," while Gawain Briars, CEO of the Professional Squash Association, points out that he "has been the model player of his generation", and World Squash Federation CEO Christian Leighton says that "Peter has become the ultimate Squash professional".

Of the players that have come forward, former England team captain Chris Walker said: "What Peter has done for the game cannot be underestimated," and current England team-mate Lee Beachill believes that Nicol has "earned the right to be named as one of the best players to ever play the game".

Andy Bunting of Prince Sports feels that Peter "will leave a void almost impossible to fill", while Neil Harvey, Nicol's coach from 1992 to 2002, points out that he is "one of the most generous people I have ever met".

Event promoters also speak highly of the Englishman:  Heather Deayton, promoter of the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Open, commented that "not only was Peter a role model sportsman on the court, but while off the court he put tremendous effort into promoting the game".  Leading US promoter John Nimick said that Squash "has been blessed to have more than a decade of Peter's positive influence and outstanding achievements".

Not all have been wholly complimentary of Peter Nicol:  England team-mate James Willstrop points out that "his dress sense leaves much to be desired"! 

But the last word is left to Jonathon Power, Nicol's lifelong rival from Canada, who also recently announced his retirement:  "I think if we could have put together his strengths and mine we probably could have made a decent player!"

click here for Peter Nicol Unsung Hero from BBC