Nicolette Fernandes, first Guyanese to win gold at World Masters Squash Championship

Nicolette Fernandes

On Saturday 39-year Nicolette Fernandes made history for herself and Guyana winning a gold at the World Masters Squash Championship, hosted in Poland. In a record setting accomplishment, she defeated Slyoli Waters of South Africa by 3-0 to secure the Women’s 35-plus division title.

The Championship was held from August 21 to August 27 and the crème de la crème of the players competed at the world’s biggest squash club, the Hasta La Vista Centre.

Nicolette has a record of accomplishments, some of which are:-

In April 2022 she won Gold at the Pan American Squash Championships in Guatemala, becoming the first Guyanese to accomplish this feat.

In October 2013 she reached a career-high ranking of No. 19 in the World.

In 2010 she became Guyana’s first female to win both the men’s and women’s National Championships,

She was 2009 Sportswoman of the Year

In  2006 she won the only gold medal for Guyana at the  Central American and Caribbean Games beating her challenger Samantha Terán.

Guyanese around the world are excited about Nicolette’s win. One Guyanese said, “let them see that little Guyana can compete in the World Championships and win.” Another said she is an inspiration to all athletes, including the up-and-coming ones.  President Irfaan Ali, in his congratulatory message on behalf of all Guyana, aptly referred to her as “one of Guyana’s most inspirational sporting heroines.”