TO win that elusive gold at the Pan American Championships, Nicolette Fernandes had to utilise all of her experience and manage her ageing body.

On Wednesday, she stopped Colombia’s Laura Tovar to win the title in Guatemala. The scores read 11-9, 11-5, 11-4 but in her post-game analysis, she said it was far from easy.
“It was really challenging; the scoreline might not reflect it, but it was a tough match. I think I have a lot of experience underneath me,” Fernandes stated in a News Room report.

“I have been enjoying squash with no pressure and that also has a part of how I played this tournament … it is just crazy; I still can’t believe I won it. It has been an elusive title for me in my professional career, and the fact that I am now retired and this happens, I still can’t wrap my head around it because I did not expect it.”

Emotional and still stunned over the success, Fernandes added, “That is the funny thing about sport and life. It is all about timing … I just wanted to come and enjoy squash in this competitive environment.”

She is grateful for the support, along with members of the Guyana team and key members of the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) who made the trip to Latin America a reality despite the issues with funding.

“This week has been really physically hard, quite painful … with each match my body deteriorated, and as I get older that would be even worse. It was hard to get out of bed this morning … it is always nice when you feel sore and you think it is worth it … I am just going to play as long as I enjoy and I am able to,” she envisioned her future in the sport.