Potter borrows from McGrath, Drogba

AUSTRALIAN cricket legend Glenn McGrath once described visualisation as one of his secrets to a successful international career; a secret that also worked for Ivorian football stalwart Didier Drogba.

Visualisation is the process of creating a mental image or intention of what you want to happen or feel in reality.

McGrath holds the record for the most Test wickets (563) by a fast bowler; while Drogba is a two-time African Footballer of the Year, a Uefa Champions League winner and English Premier League champion with Chelsea.

Now, a 17–year-old Harare boy is using the same method on the squash court and is already reaping the rewards. Ethan Porter visualises, a lot. The St George’s number one player won his maiden Mashonaland Junior Squash Championship title last week and says visualisation, coupled with hard work, did it for him.

“I spend a lot it time in silence, visualising on my game and that is working well. I have never come first before so it’s a great a feeling; all the hard work and training is finally paying off. I am on cloud nine,” said Potter.

The starlet is also drawing inspiration from a first round exit at the World Junior Squash Championships in Poland last year.

“Well, the gap was huge but there were tonnes to take away. One thing I learnt is there’s nothing like talent, only hard work - that’s all that matters. At that stage it’s all about who worked harder, who wants it more.

“A very basic player with a lot of heart and determination can go far. That’s what inspired me to up my game and see what my potential and limits are,” he said.

Porter is already visualising about the World Junior Squash Championships in New Zealand in July.

“Since December, I started training seriously for the World Championships so this tournament is simply a milestone.

“I have done lots of fitness and even more mental preparation. I am spending more moments in silence making sure I know what I want and how I am going to get it.

“Whether I win or not doesn’t matter as long as I know that 200 percent was given and I only lost when I literally couldn’t walk anymore,” he said.

Porter loves his books and is hoping squash will open up academic opportunities to study Engineering.

“Realistically, I am hoping to catch the eyes of college coaches and scouts (at the World Championships) for a scholarship.

That’s the main reason why I play and push,” said the Sixth Form pupil who is studying the famous MPC Math, Physics and Chemistry.