Sajoa Squash Australia

Road to Redemptrion
At 17, I faced a defining choice—representative squash or soccer. Both demanded the same weekends. I chose squash, and from that moment, I committed to the sport seriously.
Not long after, I was approached by Peter Sharples, who had been ranked number 5 in the world. He saw something in me and offered to coach me. He told me I had the potential to be top 5. That belief changed everything.
In 1989, I was accepted into a squash club in Switzerland, an opportunity that could have taken me further, but I chose to stay and support my mum and younger sisters. I went on to win my A-grade club championships, defeating strong players like Craig Brann and Matthew Hunter. Around that time, I was ranked 4 in NSW Under 19s, competing in A1 pennants on the Central Coast, A Grade in Newcastle, and State-level competitions at Thornleigh.
I also won the Australian Mixed Open Doubles and finished runner-up in the Men’s, partnering with Sophie Kelly. I was selected for the NSW Schools team that competed in Queensland—everything was pointing forward.
But behind the scenes, I was battling personal demons. I found alcohol, drugs, and distractions—what felt like an escape from unresolved trauma. By 19, squash had slipped behind partying. At 20, everything changed. I fell two stories from a ladder, shattering my heel and ankle and breaking my spine. That moment sent me down a dark path.
At 32, I made a decision just as powerful as the one at 17—I got clean and sober. I haven’t looked back since.
My squash brand is the result of decades of lived experience—on court, off court, and in building two successful squash centres from the ground up. I understand the game, the players, and the gap in the market.
Now, this brand is ready. The foundation is built. We’re seeking startup funding to bring it to life.
And when we do—watch what I create.

My squash racket restringing machine is old school was made around the sane time i was born. I bought it in 2007 for $400 bucks and used it over the last 18 years in both my squash centres that had members at long jetty over 220 members playing comp wach week and I started with just me and then again at Dora creek where I opened another centre closed down and got up to 60 regular players each week before I walked out to concentrate on my squash brand. So I thought I would give the poor thing a makeover.

I swung my squash racket for the first time in 18 months now i have energy again from dyalisis @ lake haven recreation centre on the Central Coast where i will be creating a squash programme there whilst i am in the area as there isn't one and its awesome because they have a big gym too where i now attend. I had my first gym sesh yesterday.
FACT: 3o + years, i was a young 16 year old playing in an exhibition match at the opening of the these stadium courts (and the other match didn't show and i was the main event, was a big 5 setter, good one Roy Ollier and Linc Rees) and here I was today, walking back on the court and making a decision to give back to the sport in this region.
After an hour in the gym, I picked up THE PERFECT WEAPON and started swinging, I lasted all but 2o minutes doing solo routines. .
Imagine driving a car with a fu**ed oil or fuel filter, thats what end stage kidney disease does to the human body before failure and dyalsis, no energy at all and being parked in the garage for 18 months it was hard but I got through it and I will back it up tommorrow. I have big plans. Cant be a squash brand owner and not show off when promoting it and i once loved playing in front of crowds. Got alot of work to do.
So no matter your excuse, make a start, heal any inner wounds holding you back and doing a little goes a long way, improving your health in every area.
**kinglegend