Pictures: Sacha Kahaki
Superstar squash player Joelle King has done a lot of “showing the world what I’m made of” in her long and decorated career.
The 35-year-old’s won eight Commonwealth Games medals and her international ranking has soared as high as third in the world. But as the athlete settles into her chat with Woman’s Day, Joelle admits life is looking a little different these days as she grapples with injury, the possibility of retirement and what her next chapter might be.
“The problem is, I’m never satisfied,” she laughs. “I don’t think any athlete is – there’s always a dangling carrot. But I have to admit I probably have the best relationship with my career that I’ve ever had – it’s a bit more relaxed but I’m still absolutely loving it. I think to myself, ‘Why couldn’t I have this kind of attitude and look at things like this when I was younger?’ But that’s just reality, isn’t it?”
Sidelined with a back injury for the past few months, her time away from squash has had Joelle in a reflective mood as she prepares for a comeback, a process she admits has been tough, especially as she’s now a little older. However, her experience and wisdom have also been her greatest strength during her rehab period.
“There are always injuries and always setbacks, and now’s the time where you do have to show resilience and what you’re truly made of. It’s part of the package and maybe because I’m more mature now, I know what’s needed to get to where I need to be.
“Now that I’m at this point in my career, anything from here is a real bonus. Obviously, there are things I wish I did more of in my career, but that hasn’t happened. But I’m still so passionate about squash. I mean, I’m playing against women 15 years younger than me and keeping up, so that’s a different kind of satisfaction! Now I’m getting to enjoy every tournament more. I might not get to play it ever again, so I’m really in the space of making the most of everything.”
Amid a summer that featured a lot of chill time with family and friends in Cambridge, Joelle has enjoyed a few months of rest and recharging at the beach, and reconnecting with pals she hasn’t seen for years.
“It’s the first time in years that I’ve been able to spend summer in New Zealand and actually have a bit of a normal life,” she explains. “It’s been wonderful to have time on my hands – wonderful but different! Now everything shifts to getting back to training and that’s pretty much it for future plans. It’s a wait-and-see.”
This is a marked change from her usual globetrotting to different tournaments and competitions, which, Joelle admits, can sometimes be lonely. But with a mountain of work ahead of her, the athlete says there’s one more goal that might just make the grind worth it – the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, where squash will feature for the first time.
“It’s so, so cool it’s going to be an Olympic sport,” she enthuses. “I joke to everyone that they’ll have to come and get me out of the rest home for that one – I’ll be 39 or 40 by the time that comes along. It’s a little far at the moment, especially with the stuff going on with my back. But it’s a dangling carrot that makes you think, ‘Hmm, maybe I could take a break and come back!’ It’s been really great to see a lot of female athletes now can take breaks and return to their sport.”
Fitting in an Olympic tilt with any future personal plans, such as having kids, is always a tough one for women athletes, but Joelle says she’s seen huge progress in athlete maternity leave and training while juggling motherhood.
“It wouldn’t have even been talked about when I started out – it was career or family. You had to make the choice. Now it’s nice there are options.”
But regardless of what she chooses – or what her body lets her do! – Joelle says there’s been no higher honour than pulling on the silver fern.
“I’ve never forgotten where I’ve come from – I’m just a little girl from Cambridge who’s had the most incredible opportunities. No matter where I am or what I’m doing, New Zealand has my heart.”
