Datuk Nicol David is known for having perfect form on the squash courts, but she also serves up style when out and about town.
Since retiring from the competitive arena back in 2019, she has frequently been seen at events dressed by local designers the likes of Rizman Ruzaini (pictured on the cover), Alia Bastamam and Shaleen Cheah.
Just last month, Nicol, 40, appeared in a campaign by Cartier Malaysia, looking stunning while accessorised with the brand’s iconic jewellery pieces.
She says that the style scene we have here is something to be proud of.
“I’m fortunate that our truly talented Malaysian designers have kindly dressed me for various occasions, and I can’t thank them enough for this special honour,” she comments. “Malaysian pride all the way!”
In 2022, the Penang-born athlete launched a foundation called the Nicol David Organisation with former professional Colombian squash player, Mariana De Reyes.
It is another aspect of her life that is keeping her busy.
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Nicol will be heading to Paris to attend this year’s Olympics (kicking off on July 26). She has been appointed as the Malaysian contingent’s Deputy Chef De Mission.
“I’m there to assist in any way I can to give support to the sports teams and the athletes,” she explains, adding that her role is like being an assistant manager to the Malaysian team.
It is, however, her first time at an Olympics Games.
“I’m truly excited to help lead the team and will be the biggest cheerleader there!” Nicol enthuses.
From her glamorous public appearances to her foundation work, it just shows that everything that the power athlete does in life, she certainly does it with style and passion.
What’s your take on fashion and how do you reconcile that interest with sports? The two worlds are probably as far removed from one another as possible.
It has been an interesting experience for me because I have been back in Malaysia full time for the past two years or so. This has made it possible to open new avenues for being featured in fashion magazines, where I get to talk about my foundation work as well.
While doing a couple of shoots, some brands started to connect with me. Being home made a big difference in terms of my commitment and having the time to attend events. Having worked with a few fashion or luxury brands, that then led to other opportunities in the style scene.
At another event, the athlete strikes a pose in a design by Shaleen Cheah. Photo: Nicol DavidLike you, our local designers have helped drawn attention on the world stage. Do you have any favourites?
Our Malaysian designers have a wide range of talent that really stand out in their own way and still represents Malaysia true and true.
I’ve had the pleasure of recently working with Rizman Ruzaini, which was for my latest event in Madrid at the Laureus World Sports Awards. I wore a beautiful masterpiece he created for me.
Also, I’ve worn outfits from amazing female designers such as Alia Bastamam, Melinda Looi, Shaleen Cheah, and each of them really stand out in their style, which I love.
Collaborations are a huge thing in fashion right now. We have also seen athletes creating their own brands or collaborating with fashion labels. Would this ever be in your cards in the future?
It would be quite special to have a chance to collaborate with fashion brands to design my own collection, so I’m all for it if that moment arises.
Since leaving the competitive sporting arena, what takes up your day-to-day time?
My focus now is fully on my foundation, Nicol David Organisation, and its objective is to empower girls and boys through sports and education.
The programme is called Little Legends, and we offer an after-school programme that provides squash training and English tutoring classes for kids from low and middle income families.
We currently have 110 children in our programme.
Being the head coach overseeing the squash programme, it is such a fulfilling journey so far for me, being able to see these children playing the sport that I love so much and also gaining a lot of confidence being in the programme.
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Nicol David looks stunning in a Rizman Ruzaini design while attending the Laureus World Sports Awards. Photo: Nicol DavidYou must be stoked about squash being included in the 2028 edition of the Olympics. You’ve said in past interviews that you won’t be coming out of retirement; but will you be playing some role in helping out our Malaysian squash players so that they can make the qualifying bid?
I’m at my happiest and proudest that squash finally is included in the Olympics in Los Angeles, after a long time coming.
I do want to give my support to our Malaysian squash team and will be there to give my input the best I can in the coming four years.
Right now, our Malaysian squash players are in good form. I believe it is key to make sure they are training well – and getting the best recovery, always to stay clear from being injured as squash is such a tough sport.
Tell us about your foundation. Since the launch in 2022, how do you see it making a change in empowering girls and boys through sports and education?The experience has been absolutely life changing for me.
Both Mariana and I believe in the power of sport and how the values that sport has to offer such as confidence, discipline and resilience can give a positive impact on these children’s lives.
I’ve seen the amazing growth in the children that have joined the programme since 2022 and honestly, I feel so grateful that I can make that difference in their lives.
We call the foundation “the happy place after school”, and our number one priority is that the children are happy.
However, working in a non-profit is a lot of work, but it is all worth it at the end seeing those children’s happy faces.