Took them long enough!
Taking to social media, Datuk Nicol David confirmed that her journey in squash is about to become a blockbuster biopic!
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Aptly titled, I am Nicol David, the biopic will see another local talent – to be chosen through a nationwide casting process in Malaysia – taking on the role as the champion. And taking on the role of Nicol’s coach, Liz Irving of Australia, plans are said to have a Hollywood actress step in but, most details remain under wraps. ACE Pictures Entertainment – a Malaysian digital media and film production investment company – president Peter Wong said of the project (as reported by The Edge Markets):
“Hearing Nicol speak about her life story gave us a completely different view into the sacrifices that had to be done in order to achieve her remarkable level of success. While we believe many are willing to go beyond the ordinary for their careers as a pro athlete, the love and dedication Nicol has for the sport exceeds normal understanding. This is why her biopic will not be about an underdog’s rise to success – she was and always has been an established icon – but about a woman’s will and dedication so profound, it becomes life itself, and the complex struggles one has to face when confronted with the reality of having to let go of something so deeply apart of herself.”
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Earlier this year, David came out triumphant as the only Asian athlete shortlisted for (and won) the “Greatest Athlete of All Time” award by The World Games. Since 1981, The World Games has brought together sports, disciplines or events within a sport, that is not contested in the Olympic Games. Held every four years, The World Games generates worldwide exposure for the participating sports and athletes alike and is granted support by the International Olympic Committee. For years, The World Games has recognised “Athlete of the Month” , “Team of the Month” and “Athlete of the Year”, but this year, the title of “Greatest Athlete of All Time” was introduced with the winner decided with a voting system. Penang-born Datuk Nicol David has come out on top, amongst 24 sports legends!
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Now, Datuk Nicol Ann David is no stranger to us Malaysians. Since becoming the youngest player ever to win the World Junior Championship in 1999, she’s gone on to bag win after win, gaining the title of World No. 1 in squash way back in 2006, and holding onto it for a record-breaking 108 months until mid-2015. She’s lauded as one of the greatest squash players of all time, and now – that title of “Greatest Athlete of All Time” will be cemented in her repertoire. In an older interview, David once said of sports:
“I also believe sports breaks down the barrier of gender. Through sports, I learnt that there was no difference between boys and girls. When I was growing up and I was improving my game, I was constantly encouraged to train with boys. There was no difference between us.”
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The 37-year-old turned pro in 2000, went on to bag eight world titles and finally retired in 2019. In her almost two-decade reign in the squash world, David never forgot her roots.
“Everything I’ve done & everywhere I’ve been, I carry my flag with me because Malaysia is my pride & heart.”
As an advocate for healthy living, David started the year with a message for Malaysians and people alike:
“I hope the lessons of 2020 are not forgotten and as we enter 2021 with hope and positivity, may we never forget having compassion for others and caring for others will always be the most important.”
*Cover image credits: @nicoldsquash
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