"A Slap In The Face"
by Nick-at-Will
Laureus Sports Award
On Saturday, February 15th,
it was announced that seven-time world Malaysian squash champion, seven
and-a-half year world #1 Nicol Ann David was nominated for the 2014
Laureus World Sports Awards. Absolutely a legitimate and well-earned
nomination. However, on Wednesday, February 26th, the final Award
nominees were announced...with no mention of Nicol! What happened?
According to the
Laureus Award criteria, The Laureus Award goes to: "The
sportswoman who best demonstrates supreme athletic performance and
achievement - such as consecutive or multiple world, continental,
international or national and major championship titles or the
establishment of world records or best performances." Who better
exemplifies those qualities and achievements (in the world) than
Nicol!? In our opinion...NO ONE! So who WAS nominated
over Nicol!? Well...how about a pole vaulter from Russia, a sprinter
from Jamaica and a soccer player from Germany! In addition and maybe
appropriate, a skier from Slovenia, a swimmer and tennis player (Serena
Williams) from the United States.
To quote a prominent squash official: "This
is a real disappointment. Nicol and Nick (Matthew) have become Laureus
Ambassadors, making it even more of a "slap in the face!"
Following the
disappointment squash experienced with its 2020 Olympic Game campaign,
can this be just another example of where squash stands in the "Wide
World of Sports?" We sure hope not! And...we ask THIS question: "What
can be done about it!?"
