WORLD SQUASH NEWS

Nicol David Carries Torch For The Olympics

Malaysian squash star Nicol David has been selected to represent her country in the historic Athens 2004 Olympics Torch Relay, through the Samsung "Torchbearers for Malaysia" campaign.

David, the world No8 from Penang and record twice World Junior Champion, was voted as one of five national sports heroes to represent Malaysia in the torch relay that will be run across five continents for the first time this year.

Nicol David will carry the famous Olympic torch in Crete City, Greece, between 9-13 July, on its return to Athens for the 2004 Olympic Games.

"I cannot believe I will be part of the Olympics," said the delighted 20-year-old.  "And better yet, being able to represent Malaysia as a Torch Bearer in Greece itself just makes it even more unbelievable.

"It is truly a dream come true to be involved in the Olympic Games.  The feeling is something I can't describe and I am so honoured to have been chosen for this by the Malaysian public.  I hope this could be a good avenue to bring squash into the Olympics for the future," added David.

The popular Penangite is no stranger to ambassadorial activity on behalf of her sport:  Two years ago she led a promotional visit to Thailand, Brunei and Sarawak - organised by the Women's International Squash Players' Association - and in June joins Australia's world No2 Rachael Grinham in a WISPA-backed profile-raising initiative for women's squash in China.