Smash hit Mike wins Welsh title

Blairgowrie ace delighted

Mike has been putting in plenty of hours on the court in recent months and his schedule is shaping up to be a busy one across 2019.

“As a freelance adventurer it has been tough, however, I was determined to give this a good go and trained hard for it,” he explained to the PA.

“I still had to balance work, family and social life and to keep up matches over the festive season. I train most days with racket skills, strength training and coaching sessions. I play competitively twice a week.

“The next major event will be the Home Internationals. I am down to play in the over 65s and the 70s.

“There are also a number of international matches and then the European Championships in the middle of the year. Then hopefully it will be the worlds next year.”

Getting more people involved in the sport is also an aim for Mike and he has been campaigning for squash courts to be built in Blairgowrie.

He said: “I started to play the game in my early 30s, coming back from injury and I found it improved my football and rugby game and kept it going.

“My greatest achievement has been to represent my country. It’s a great sport and, as you know, Scotland has a great tradition in it. It’s a perfect sport for all and especially during the winter months.

“The squash community is thriving around the world, especially in the Masters and it will be in the next Olympics.”