Squash vet Daryl Selby gearing up for his final Commonwealth Games

Perspective is the key to Daryl Selby’s enduring success as he approaches his fourth and final Commonwealth Games, writes Tum Balogun.

The Harlow squash veteran stated his intention to officially call time on his 20-plus year career after the Birmingham summer showcase.

Selby, who is seeking an elusive Commonwealth gold, believes growing older - and becoming a father - brought a new edge to his game.

He said: “It’s a huge deal [in your] mid-twenties when you lose. It's absolutely mind blowing how devastated you are. Everything is in complete despair.

“Whereas now, as long as I’ve tried my best, gave 100 percent, I'll go out and enjoy wherever I am staying. It’s nice a little perspective in life.

“I think that’s something you can definitely use as an advantage.

“The nice thing for me is that I’ve still got pictures of my eldest watching me in Glasgow as a two-year-old.

“But now he’s fully grown, playing squash and he’ll be able to remember - hopefully - watching me.”

This summer, Team England, supported by National Lottery funding, will comprise of over 400 athletes in total, and having secured his place on the squad, Selby is looking to capitalise on the once in a lifetime opportunity for medal success in his home country.

As one of the team's most experienced members, he was keen to share some advice for those about to get their very first taste of the event.

He said: “Enjoying it is the main part. I want the guys to soak up the atmosphere around the village in the first few days, that’s really important.

“Put yourself out there, speak to other athletes, just enjoy that part of it and [try] not think about the competition too much ahead of you.”

Selby will be teaming up with Adrian Waller who he partnered four years ago on the Gold Coast in Australia.

The pair came agonisingly close to securing the gold but in Selby’s opinion came up short because of the raucous home support.

He is hopeful of a similar outcome for the English athletes in Birmingham this time around.

He said: “We were playing an Aussie pair in the [2018 Commonwealth games men’s doubles] final.

“We started really well and then they just got one or two points and momentum shifted.

“The noise of the crowd, the way they got them going, I think if it was the other way around there would only have been one winner.

“I’m hoping this time the Birmingham crowd will really make a difference for a lot of the athletes - not just in squash but in all the sports.”

The Colchester native’s attention will turn to his interests away from the court when the summer draws to a close.

Selby splits his time between running a successful sports agency, ultramarathons and raising his three young children.

With the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games set to inspire people and communities across the country this summer, Selby hopes sharing his story will give others motivation to get involved in sport and turn their dreams into reality.

It’s sure to be an emotional time for the two-time Commonwealth medallist but he is already content and looking forward to what’s next in store.

He said: “As soon as the [Games] are done I’ll officially retire from the tour and take my name off the rankings list which will be a sad thing.

“But I’m 40 this year, I’ve had a good innings and it’s time for the youngsters to step up. This is the start of a new chapter for me.”

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