King finds best way to soothe pain of losing
New Zealand squash player Joelle King says victory in the mixed doubles final at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games feels very special, while partner Paul Coll says the Games have been the highlight of his career.
King and Coll beat the English pair of Alison Waters and Adrian Waller 11-3, 11-6.
King won two gold medals four years ago, but finished fourth in the singles last week.
“After a very devastating week last week for me, to bounce back and to play the way I have in the doubles (is satisfying),” King said after their win.
“The attitude and courage to come out here and fight for these medals, I’m extremely proud of that.
“Often when things are going well it’s quite easy to stay on top but when you’re down in the dumps it’s quite hard to find your feet and get above water.
“My two partners have rallied around, so yeah I’m really proud of this one.”
King had the chance of another gold overnight in the women’s doubles final.
She and Amanda Landers-murphy earned the right to play Waters and Sarah-jane Perry of England.
King won doubles gold and mixed doubles silver in 2010 in Delhi, a singles bronze in Glasgow in 2014 and singles and doubles gold and mixed doubles bronze on the Gold Coast in 2018.
It is the second gold for Coll at these Games after he won the men’s singles last week.
“It’s been the best two weeks of my life, just being in the village with the NZ team and with the squash team — we have so much fun as well as competing.
“At the same time it’s been very emotional in terms of winning and having the pressure, but the team behind us, we have such a good culture.”
Coll intended to have a couple of beers to celebrate.
“I’m not going to go too hard tonight I’m going to wait until the team finishes tomorrow.”
King is sporting a black eye after Coll accidentally hit her with his racquet during the celebrations.
New Zealand now have 19 gold medals.