Gladstone Park Squash Club’s Amelie Guziak aims for number 1 ranking

Amelie Guziak is determined for squash to be her career because it makes her happy. There looks certain to be plenty of smiles too, with a state title already under her belt.

Amelie Guziak wants to be world number one.

Amelie Guziak is a Junior nominee for the Leader Local Sports Stars awards.

Nominee: Amelie Guziak, 12

Sport: Squash

Suburb: Keilor Downs

Club name: Gladstone Park Junior Squash Club

Coach: Terry White

How old were you when you took up your sport?

I was about four years old.

How did you get involved in this sport?

I would hit the ball on the court with some of the adults at my dad’s squash club. At five years old, I started to take it more seriously.

Every time I had a lesson, I would get excited for my turn to have a rally with the coach.

What has been your biggest success?

Winning the NSW state titles by beating the top two seeds.

It was really tough and I thought it was over … until I calmed myself and worked out a strategy, all without the help of my coach.

Describe your training routine

I train five days a week, 13-15 hours. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are with my coach. Fridays and Saturdays are intense group training and competition. It’s tiring but I just can’t stop playing squash.

Sundays is mostly training routines. I’m also in the Talent Development Academy which is tough fitness training for two hours every fortnight. I work so hard I nearly throw up.

What do you love most about your sport?

It makes me feel happy. When I have a bad day, all I need (to feel better) is a hit on the court.

I love that it’s a strategic game, which is now my strength.

Who are your sporting heroes?

Sarah Fitz-Gerald (five-time world champion, Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Christine Nunn.

What is your ultimate sporting goal?

I want to work towards a high world ranking, even number 1. I want squash to be my career. I want it to be why I wake up every morning. I want squash to be my life because it makes me so happy.

Amelie Guziak.

‘I couldn’t have done any of this without support from …’

My coaches Terry White and David Crossley.

My parents, because they are so supportive and they have driven me around Australia to compete in tournaments.

Dad is also the reason why I started playing squash.

Thanks to our partner Gold 104.3.