Squash the age gap
Squash champion wants to play “forever”.
Roy Plumstead (67) was never told that as you get older you should slow down.
The two-time winner of the World Masters Squash Championship is still beating players 16 years younger than him and plays for South Africa in his age group.
Plumstead won the World Masters in 1993 in Scotland, in the 45-49 age group, and for a second time in 1997 in Johannesburg, in the 50-54 age group. He also made it to the finals in 2003 in the 55-59 age group and in 2012 in the 65-69 age group.
The tournament is every second year and Plumstead will not stop trying to qualify.
“I love this game,” said Plumstead. “With luck I will be selected to play in the World Masters again in July, in Hong Kong.”
Last year Plumstead decided to enter the SA Masters 50-54 age group when he was 66 and still came out fourth best in the country.
“I play as high as I can, it doesn’t matter what age group,” he said. “I am not looking for easy games. I enjoy the people and the competitiveness in this sport. I have been an athlete all my life and this suits me. I want to play forever. I get aches in my back if I do not play.”
His son Gary and daughter Linda have both been in the top 10 in SA’s open category, and have won the SA Open in their age groups.
Linda played in the World Masters in 2012 and lost in the final. Gary coaches squash at Parkview Squash Centre, but also plays at Randburg and is the club’s top seed.
Gary beats Roy every time they play.
“He is a humble, discerning man who does not trumpet his success,” said Randburg Squash Club co-owner Bob Mallac about Roy.
“We consider him a legend. At the tender age of 67 he is still achieving and not boasting. We are proud to be associated with him.”
Details: Randburg Squash Club 011 789 2226.
