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| 5 Oct 2022 | |
| Written by Jenni Barrett | |
| OB News |
Over the summer, the Commonwealth Games took Birmingham by storm, and so did Daryl Selby (OB 1994-2001). In his last Commonwealth Games before retirement, Daryl managed to win a silver medal alongside doubles partner Adrian Waller. Once all the celebrations subsided, we managed to catch up with Daryl to see how he was doing after ending his career on such a high!
How does it feel to be able to add Commonwealth Games men's doubles silver medalist to your achievements in Squash?
I have a silver from Gold Coast 4 years ago as well as the bronze from Glasgow, so to make it a triple is fantastic! Obviously I would have loved the gold but at nearly 40 years old I’m very proud of how we played and achieving a silver in a home games was a very special moment for me.
How do you think you've developed as a player since you started playing 20 years ago?
I actually started playing 35 years ago! I’ve been a pro for almost 20 years and I’ve definitely developed my tactical game over the years, experience can play a big part in doubles. My brain tells me one thing and my body doesn’t respond as quickly these days so still trying to come to terms with the loss of speed!
You recently announced that you would be retiring after the Commonwealth games. Does this success make you want to reconsider at all?
No I’m definitely done!!
What advice would you give to the next generation wanting to pursue sports?
You need to love it first and foremost, it has to be your ultimate passion. If you have that then you just have to put in the hard graft on the training, ground/pitch/court to really hone our skills and work harder than anyone else. Make sure you do it all with a smile on your face though, you have to enjoy it and that’s when you play your best.
What plans and projects will you be turning your attention to now?
I have my own Sports Management company, Dynamic 7 Sport where I look after professional athletes and help them on their journey through professional sport. I also am in the wonderful world of digital influencer management and help look after some very talented content creators on YouTube and other platforms.
Daryl Selby - Career Achievements
England caps: 128
Highest World Ranking: 9
Men’s World Team Championship Gold: 2013
Men’s World Team Championship Silver: 2011, 2017, 2019
European Team Championships Gold: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2019
British National champion: 2011
World Doubles Championships Silver Mixed Doubles: 2017
Commonwealth Games Doubles Silver: 2018
Commonwealth Games Doubles Bronze: 2014
British National Championships: 2011
PSA Tour titles: 13
PSA Tour finals: 24
