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Simon Parke in action

Parke's life in Nottingham

"Within weeks of picking up a squash racket," Simon Parke says in an unusually reflective moment for Nottingham's street-fighter of the court, "I was convinced I was going to become world champion."  Having spent the last 16 years gracing courts around the world trying to fulfil this prophecy, the former British No1 and World No3 has finally accepted that it is not to be. Nevertheless having maintained an unbroken nine-year presence in the world top 20, and been a stalwart of the national side for the last decade, Parke has cemented his reputation as one of England's all-time greats.

Parke's natural talent was evident the first time he stepped onto a squash court at his local club in Pontefract at the tender age of eight. "Almost straight away I knew it was what I wanted to do. I just loved it so much," he confesses. Dreams of becoming a professional squash player quickly overtook a desire to be a footballer, as posters of his boyhood idol Kevin Keegan were replaced by those of 10 times British Open winner Jahangir Khan. After winning five British Junior Open trophies, "Parkey" completed his GCSEs and immediately joined the pro ranks in August 1988. "My mum was a bit reluctant and tried to convince me to stay on and do A-Levels, but I was the best in the world for my age so I decided to go for it." The decision was vindicated as he made his top 100 debut the following July, and quickly became a permanent fixture in the PSA top 10.

The right-hander's determination, and the sheer force of character he exerted over bigger and stronger opponents, seemed unquenchable, but it was tested to its limits when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in December 1995. Parke has had ten years to become more philosophical about the nadir of his career; "If you're going to get cancer then it is the best type to get, as it is easily curable if detected early." Were there doubts about whether he would ever play again? "Definitely," he replies candidly. "I was worried about possible side effects such as lung fibrosis which affects your lung capacity and would have put an end to my professional career."

Squash legend Simon Parke

But drawing inspiration from former sufferers such as Lance Armstrong and Jimmy White, the former British champion returned refulgent a mere five months after surgery, making his comeback in the spectacular Al-Ahram International event in Egypt, where he reached the quarter-finals. "Having spent time with others in hospital who were battling much greater challenges, I realised how lucky I was to have the chance to play top-level sport again. I take a little longer now at every event to appreciate what part of the world I am in and to enjoy the experience," he admits. A remarkable year ended with his reinstatement as England No1 in December and a triumphant return to the world's top five.

Although quiet and introspective off court, Parke approaches his battles on court fearlessly. He is famed for his precision, resilience and energetic retrieving, and playing against the man from Oakham has been likened to 'a slow death'.  Indeed, at the prestigious US Open in 1999 he defeated Jonathan Power in a 1½-hour marathon, just 18 hours after playing a 2-hour no-holds barred slugfest against World No1 Peter Nicol, to seal the greatest win of his career to date. "I like the opponent to feel that no matter what he does, I'm not going to get tired out there," he declares proudly.

Parke has also enjoyed considerable success on the international stage, captaining his country to two World Team Championship titles. He is now the fourth most-capped Englishman of all-time having made over 70 international appearances, and has been called up again for the European Team Championships in Amsterdam at the end of May. "It's fantastic to be picked for England again at the age of 32," he says, breaking out in a schoolboy grin. "It's always an honour to play for your country and I was really hoping for a chance to get back into the squad. I'm still really enjoying my squash even though I realise that I've only got a few years left in the game."

Parke's candour and unexpected warmth envelopes his conversation, and he talks excitedly about the strength of the sport in Nottingham.  "It has traditionally been a hotbed of talent over the years," he recalls. "At its peak in 1996 there were 10 professionals in the top 100 training here, so it was difficult to get a court!" states the Yorkshireman who moved to the city in 1993 and trains at the Nottingham Squash Rackets Club. "But it isn't as good as it used to be," he confesses.  "I'm the sole player in the top 50 based here now - the Welsh No1 Alex Gough has left to move down south, the Irish No1 Derek Ryan has left for Manchester and John White has just moved to New York.”

There is another note of regret in his voice as he discusses the level of media coverage devoted to squash. "I'm a bit aggrieved by the lack of publicity the sport receives, but you learn to accept it. Besides, I chose squash for the love of the sport, not for the money or the fame." Parke laughs knowingly when it is suggested that squash isn't conducive to television.  "We have tried to make the game more attractive by changing the scoring system, altering the height of the tin, and introducing glass courts! What more can we do?" he shrugs. "Perhaps the problem with squash is that the rules are too confusing, with interference, lets and strokes, so people lose patience with it, whereas with tennis it is obvious what is happening."

Squash is now played by over 20 million people in 130 countries, and is currently being considered by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for inclusion in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Parke remains sceptical: "I've heard it all so many times before," he says. "Squash definitely deserves to be in the Olympics, and England would come back with a bucket-load of medals, but until it actually happens I remain unconvinced." 

At 32 years old, the Olympics are clearly out of reach for Parke, but the current world number 22 has no immediate plans to retire. "I admire Andre Agassi a lot, and I think that, as long as you are fit, you can keep on going! I was recently offered a coaching position in Chicago, but I've still got the desire to win things so I decided to give it one last go. My main aim is to get back into the top 10 and to win something big before I call it a day. Whatever happens, I will definitely stay in the game. Squash is in my blood."