Former World No.1 and three time British National Squash Champion Lee Beachill has announced his retirement from the men’s professional World Tour and confirmed that the National Squash Championships ’09, which start today in Manchester, will be his final tournament appearance, having been unable to return to full fitness following surgeries in July and October of last years to repair cartilage damage to his left knee.
In a professional playing career spanning over thirteen years, the 31-year-old who in October 2004 became the first English born player to be crowned World No.1 won Gold Medals at consecutive Commonwealth Games in Manchester and Melbourne respectively, helped England to win successive Men's World Team Championships in 2005 and 2007, and extended his PSA World Tour haul to nine titles, from eighteen final appearances.
Renowned for his impeccable on-court behaviour and for an aesthetically pleasing and classically constructed style, with beautifully accurate drives which created a foundation for one of the soundest games in the world, Beachill has been trying to extend his career with the aid of a brace to support his troublesome knee. However, following an extensive rehabilitation programme he has eventually conceded that the symptoms experienced over recent months have resulted in him no longer being able to continue to compete professionally.
The Englishman from Pontefract in Yorkshire, who has reached six of the last seven British National finals, winning three of them, believes that the National Squash Centre in Manchester is a fitting venue to announce the end of his playing career and hopes still to be good enough for one more tilt at the coveted title.
"It is with great sadness that I have to announce my retirement at a stage in my career where I felt I still had so much to offer. Unfortunately injuries play a part in the careers of all professional athletes and I’m no exception!” explained the former World No.1.
Tributes have been received from many of those who have worked with one of England’s finest ever squash players during his thirteen year playing career, including Paul Walters of internationalSPORTgroup, the sports marketing and management company who represent the squash star, Ziad Al-Turki, Professional Squash Association Chairman, Nick Rider, England Squash Chief Executive Officer, and life long coach Malcolm Willstrop.
Paul Walters of internationalSPORTgroup, said: “Lee is one of the most professional and successful players that internationalSPORTgroup has represented, but above everything else he has been a close and loyal friend.
“His injury has undoubtedly robbed him of many future titles, which makes it even more poignant that he has announced his retirement at the British National Championships in Manchester which was where it all started for him. He was the first person to successfully defend the title and it was the way he did it, beating Peter Nicol in the final, which will live forever in my memory as I am sure it will for the hundreds of spectators who witnessed a truly magnificent performance that day. The Nationals is a title that I know he treasures alongside all of his other notable achievements. Many doubted that he would ever scale the heights that his talent so richly deserved, but Lee proved many people wrong and it has been a privilege to share the highs and lows of a memorable career and a valued friendship which will continue regardless of which direction his career now takes him.”
Professional Squash Association Chairman, Ziad Al-Turki said: “I have known Lee for about five years having first met him at the Saudi International in 2005 and since then I have had the pleasure of knowing him as a professional athlete and a colleague on the PSA Board. As a promoter I can say that Lee has been one of the most professional players on the Men’s World Tour and was always willing to do whatever was asked of him for the benefit of the event and the sport as a whole. His dedication to squash and knowledge of the sport have made him one of the most committed, most hard working members on the PSA Board. He will be missed by all his fans, but knowing how dedicated he is to squash, I’m sure that he will take his contributions from inside the court to new areas within the sport. I, and the entire PSA Board, wish Lee the best of luck and thank him for the all that he has contributed to squash, as one of its greatest players."
England Squash Chief Executive, Nick Rider, added: "Lee is the consummate professional. I’ve had the privilege to watch him in an England shirt in European and World Championships, where he always gave his all. As team captain, his understated yet passionate leadership style was crucial whenever the team was under pressure. He has real quality which we’ll miss - and he’s an example to aspiring young players everywhere."
Malcolm Willstrop, who has been instrumental in Lee’s development into one of the sport’s leading players, concluded: “Having been associated with Lee from the age of eight, it is a sad day when he is forced to retire from the PSA World Tour. He has achieved so much, especially in Manchester, so it is appropriate that his career ends at the British National Championships. But for the injury there were no signs that he was not as good as ever, so that is the regret. He has already given the game so much, and I am sure that whatever role that he finds in the sport he has even more to give. Aspiring young players could do a lot worse than to emulate Lee, both for the way he played the game and the manner in which he conducted himself.”
The three time National Champion has proved himself to be both determined and resilient in his illustrious career, and remarkably has achieved everything in the sport after a serious road accident in December 1997 in which he broke his back in two places and was told that he would never play squash again.
“I feel over the past thirteen years that I have had to overcome some pretty big hurdles but the knee injury I sustained last summer has proved one too many,” added Beachill.
“Despite the best efforts of my physiotherapist Ian Horsley and my surgeon Professor Christor Rolf, this is one that will not allow me to compete at a level I am happy with, and having set myself such high standards it’s difficult to justify falling short after many years of success.
“When I try and think of all the people who have helped me over the years it reduces me to tears! All the passion, dedication and loyalty that so many people have shown me makes this decision even harder. There are hundreds of people I would like to thank, but in particular:
“Malcolm Willstrop, my coach for the last twenty-two years, my advisor, my mentor and most importantly my loyal friend. You know what you mean to me, you told me I could achieve things I didn’t think were possible and you’ve taught me all I know both as a squash player and as a person. I could never repay the dedication you have given to me but I’m proud to be able to say I became the best player in the world and I did it your way.
“Jonah Barrington, a legend, mentor and friend. I could never explain to you the influence you have had on my career and my heart felt thanks go to you and your family.
“David Pearson, Paul Carter and the England Squash World Class Performance Team of physiotherapists, physiologists, doctors, coaches and analysts headed by Peter Hirst, you are the best group I’ve ever worked with. My proudest moments are those when I was wearing an England shirt - you all stuck by me through thick and thin and for that I can’t thank you enough.
“Ian Horsley, the best physiotherapist in the world! I’ve lost count of the amount of times you’ve stuck me back together and the years have gone so quickly. Thank you so much for your dedication and reluctance to give up on me when many others would have.
“Paul Walters, my manager and my friend. You showed faith in me when others didn’t. You supported me when others didn’t. You’re a true friend and I appreciate all you have done for me.
“Peter Nicol, the greatest player ever. A true gent both on and off the court and someone I'm honoured to say is one of my best friends.
“David Campion, the nicest guy you could ever meet and the greatest striker of a squash ball you will ever see. Thank you for all the hard work you have put in to me over the years.”
Pontefract Squash Club, you have been a ‘rock’ of support to me throughout my career. Thank you to each and everyone of you who have spent their hard earned money and time supporting me over the years. In particular, special thanks go to my business partner, close friend and Pontefract owner Mick Todd whose support I will never forget and with whom I look forward to future success together.
“James Willstrop, over to you my friend! I hope I've had as much influence on your career as you’ve had on mine. I’ll always be there for you.
“My sponsors Dunlop and Hi-Tec, whose rackets and footwear have made a crucial difference to my performance.
“My close friends, you know who you are. Thanks for the years of support and for keeping my feet well and truly on the ground. It means so much.
“My family, mum, dad and my sister Sally, you have given me more than I could ever have wished for and I could not have achieved anything without your unconditional love and support - from the bottom of my heart I thank you for all you have given me.
“And finally, my partner Nicola and our children Jessica and Ben. All I can say is that you are my world - you’ve been there through all of the ups and the downs, through the disappointments and setbacks as well as the success. I feel privileged to have played a sport for a living that I love so much, but not nearly as much as I love you,” Beachill concluded.
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