Rodney Stevens
Squash superstar Cameron Pilley will be drawing on every second of his 19 years’ experience as a professional when he goes for an incredible fourth consecutive gold medal at his fourth Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
But after traveling the world and competing at an elite level for almost two decades, the Yamba product still fondly recalls where his years of toil resulted in the triumph of his successful career.
The Independent caught up with the proud father of two, who entered his first squash tournament aged 6, from his home in the city of Rye, New York.
“My parents both played at the local squash club – Yamba Squash & Cycles – and they would bring me along to the courts with them from a very young age.
“I was always around the squash courts so naturally began hitting a ball around from about the age of 2, followed by playing my first tournament when I was 6.
“I had always wanted to be a professional sportsman and although I played cricket and golf at a fairly high level, it was squash that I continued with and wanted to make it my profession.
“I turned pro right out of high school and played professionally for 19 years.”
After achieving Australian number one and World number 11 rankings, winning 13 professional titles and holding the world record for hitting a squash ball at 177mph (285km/h), Pilley credits several influences on his successful career.
“I’m a big believer in never forgetting where you came from,” he said.
“My dad, Steve, taught me the game and coached me up until I went pro, so he is a major factor in my professional career.
“Both Rod Martin and Geoff Hunt coached me for the first five years of my professional career, and they taught me what it takes to be the best.
“I never had a squash idol I looked up to, but I had my favourite players to watch – the main one being Jonathon Power.”
The 39-year-old said he is honoured to compete for Australia at his fourth Commonwealth Games and he is in preparation, eyeing off an amazing fourth gold medal.
“It was a great feeling to see that I had been selected for my fourth Commonwealth Games,” Pilley said.
“I am based in Rye, NY and do my training out of The Apawamis Club.
“There are quite a few touring pros in the area, and I train with (fellow Australian) Ryan Cuskelly quite often.
“Anytime an athlete competes in the Commonwealth Games it should always be the gold medal that is aspired to.
“We can’t all win it, but I’ll be striving for the ultimate prize in Birmingham.”
After such an enduring journey at the pinnacle of world squash in both singles and doubles formats, Pilley was reluctant to call time on his career.
“I am the Director of Squash at The Apawamis Club, so I am busy running the squash program there, as well as training and getting ready for the Games.
“So right now, I am focused on that and my own family, my wife Line and two kids, Leo aged 2 and Karla, 4.
“We will see how the body and mind feel after this event regarding playing more big events.”