By: Women’s Fitness Asia
Nicol David is widely regarded as one of the greatest squash players in history. Born in Penang, Malaysia, on August 26, 1983, she rose to global prominence with her exceptional skill, speed, and dedication to the sport. David held the World No. 1 ranking for an impressive nine consecutive years, from 2006 to 2015—a record unmatched in squash history. Throughout her career, she captured eight World Championship titles and won numerous PSA World Tour and World Series titles, solidifying her legacy as a dominant force in the sport.
David began her ascent as a teenager, achieving her first world title in 2005 by defeating World No. 1 Rachael Grinham. Voted the World Games’ Greatest Athlete of All Time in 2021, her legacy extends beyond the court as she promotes sports and healthy lifestyles. In 2023, she was appointed Deputy Chef de Mission for Malaysia at the Paris 2024 Olympics, inspiring future generations with her enduring commitment to excellence.
Also a founder of the Nicol David Organization (NDO), David aims to break barriers for underprivileged youth in Malaysia while also supporting the often-overlooked challenges faced by their mothers. David’s Little Legends program, co-founded with Colombian squash champion Mariana de Reyes, offers squash training and English education, reaching 145 children over the past two years.
While helping these young athletes grow, David and de Reyes realized the impact mothers have on their children’s well-being and success, often putting their own health second. “Mothers are the backbone of a child’s journey,” David explains, noting her own mother’s sacrifices to support her career.
Inspired to address this, in 2024, David launched Ibu Legends, a four-month program offering free medical check-ups, mental and physical health workshops, and parenting support for 30 mothers. This initiative has provided many women their first opportunity to focus on their health, setting off a ripple effect that ultimately benefits the entire family. As David says, “We can’t change the whole world, but we can change it in small ways by helping our communities.”
In this way, Nicol David is shaping not only future athletes but stronger communities—one mother, one family at a time. Her journey underscores the transformative power of sports and the enduring impact of kindness and leadership.
