AUSTRALIAN squash legend Geoff Hunt brought his skills and coaching abilities to the Tonic squash courts and gym, Dromana, last week.
Now 68 and retired and with an MBE for his services to the sport – Hunt is widely regarded as one of the greatest squash players in history, having been ranked world number one 1975-1980. He won the World Open title four times.
Accompanying him to Dromana was Qatar champion Abdulla Al Tamimi, who took part in coaching sessions at the club in Collins Rd.
Hunt was a senior Australian Institute of Sport coach for several years before moving to Qatar to coach for the past eight years.
He said the Persian Gulf region is a powerhouse in squash and home to many of the world’s top players.
He sees Al Tamimi as one of the next big things in the sport, and says Tonic proprietor Rod Martin – with whom he worked at the institute – is one man who can help further develop his skills.
Martin and his wife Amelia –formerly ranked 26 in the world – are putting a strong focus on junior squash in their venture which they took over in January. They are creating a junior development program at the eight-court venue, and have about 20 young players practicing Monday afternoons. Concertina walls allow for doubles play.
Tonic’s head squash coach Zac Alexander has been ranked as high as 36 in the world and is working full time at the club.
“Several pro squash players from around the world will visit the gym over the next few months for coaching and training leading into the Victorian and Australian opens in early August,” Martin said.
As well as the squash courts, Tonic has cardio equipment, Pilates, weights, group fitness classes, and personal training.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 19 May 2015
