Squash siblings in shot for world title
Calvert brothers drive for medal in doubles
AFTER growing up as friendly foes, brothers Thomas and Nick Calvert are set to combine forces at the World Doubles Squash Championships on the Gold Coast this week as they search for their maiden open medal.
Thomas, 24, and Nick, 19, will make their Australian debut when the event starts today after being named in Australia’s doubles squad.
The siblings admit it will be exciting to compete as a team rather than against each other.
“Over the last 12 months we’ve had some big battles on the squash court that have gone either way,” Thomas said.
Nick agrees: “Growing up, he’s four years older than me so he’s always been better than me up until about 6-12 months ago.”
“I’ve caught up a bit so we’re having some good battles now.
“We grew up training and living together so it’s a great honour to be able to pull on the green and gold together.”
Thomas’s Australian debut comes on the back of making the quarter-finals at the Inspirenet International Squash Classic in New Zealand earlier this month.
“When you’re playing as a junior, it’s everything you dream of, representing your country, so to be able to do that alongside your brother who you’ve been playing and training with is an unreal opportunity,” he said.
After growing up in Brisbane, the pair recently relocated to the Gold Coast to make use of Carrara’s worldclass squash centre as part of the 2018 Commonwealth Games legacy.
“It’s a lot easier to travel 10 minutes a day rather than an hour from Brisbane, so we’re saving a lot of time,” Thomas said.
“We’re now in a high-performance environment full time which is great.
“They’re up there with the highest standard.”
The World Doubles Championships start today at Carrara Squash Centre.