England’s greatest player receives OBE from Princess Anne
By SCARLETT SMITH
Three-time world champion Nick Matthew received his OBE from Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne in a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
Matthew attended the royal appointment with his family and described the experience as ‘humbling and an absolute honour’ as he collected the accolade for his services to squash.
The 35-year-old from Sheffield is the most successful English squash player of all time with 33 PSA World Tour titles, three Commonwealth Games gold medals and seven British National titles to his name.
Matthew has also been at the forefront of inspiring junior players and is a patron of the Children’s Hospital and St Luke’s Hospice in Sheffield as well as an ambassador for the PSA’s official charity, the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.
“I feel completely humbled,” explained Matthew. “It goes without saying it’s a massive honour for me personally but it’s also great to see squash recognised. Today’s ceremony will certainly be something I’ll never forget.
“My wife, friends and family have all been so incredibly excited since it was announced in the summer. I really do have them all to thank for helping me through the good and the bad times as a professional athlete, I don’t think I could have achieved as much without their unwavering support,” added Matthew.
Matthew’s achievements have also been recognised by the sport’s national governing body, England Squash & Racketball. Chief Executive Keir Worth said: “We are all incredibly proud to see Nick collect his accolade today. Nick Matthew is one of the world’s greatest ever squash players and has been an impeccable role model for the sport across the globe.
“We are honoured to have a player like Nick represent England and we’re sure he’ll continue to inspire the next generation of squash players in this country.”
Back home in Sheffield, Matthew plays Chris Simpson of Dunnington in a Yorkshire League match at Hallamshire tonight as both players prepare for the US Open, which is taking place from October 8-17 in Philadelphia.