80-Year-Old Squash Player Ann Manley Wins Record Seventh Masters Title
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
An 80-year-old squash player from Bristol has added another major achievement to her long sporting career after winning the over-80s category at the World Squash Masters Championships in Perth, Australia.
Ann Manley, from Stoke Bishop, has been playing squash since her teenage years and has continued competing across different age categories for decades.
Her latest victory gave her a total of seven masters titles, matching Australia’s Geoff Davenport for the highest number of titles won by a player.
Seventh Masters Championship Victory
Manley secured her latest title in the over-80s category at this month’s World Squash Masters Championships.
Her collection of seven championships has come across different age groups, highlighting her longevity in competitive squash.
Speaking after her latest success, Manley said she appreciated the age-group format because it allowed players to continue competing against opponents at a similar level.
She had previously considered making the tournament her final competition but admitted that she was not yet certain whether she would retire.
Still Considering Her Future
Manley said before the championship that she might stop competing after the event.
However, following her title-winning performance, she left the possibility of continuing open, saying her decision would depend on how her body responds to the demands of competition.
Her comments reflect the physical challenge of continuing to compete at an advanced age while maintaining the fitness required for squash.
A Career Spanning Several Decades
Manley’s involvement in competitive squash stretches back many years. Historical photographs show her competing in national events during the 1980s, including the Over 40s National Squash Championship in 1985.
Her latest achievement adds another chapter to a career that has continued through multiple generations of squash players.
Squash Community Keeps Her Competing
Beyond the competition itself, Manley highlighted the strong community surrounding squash masters events.
She said the tournaments provide players with an opportunity to remain involved in the sport while meeting fellow competitors. Although travelling to events and the physical demands of playing can be challenging, the social side of masters squash remains an important part of the experience.
At 80, Manley’s seventh masters title has further extended her remarkable record and kept her among the most successful players in the history of age-group squash.
