The View from Above - A Tribute To Malcolm Willstrop
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- Опубліковано 19 жов 2024
- This is a sad time for squash. We have lost one of the game's greatest characters and the void left will be enormous. Malcolm was a 'maverick' and there has not been, and never will be a coach quite like him. Totally selfless and determined to get the best out of every player, Malcolm was unique in the way he approached teaching the game.
We were lucky enough to spend a great deal of time with him over the last few years. We made two documentaries about him; 'Do you know who I am' was an hour long interview with the man himself, and 'The View from Above' was a film about Pontefract in general, but really highlighted what made Malcolm such a special character.
The films highlighted Malcolm's passion for the game and offered amazing insight into how he approached his coaching. A no-nonsense attitude meant that he did not suffer fools gladly, it was however abundantly clear that he had a tremendous sense of humour and a genuine soft side.
Tony Smith highlighted the fact that it was so unique that a world-class coach could be working with top professionals, aspiring juniors, club players, and three-year-old toddlers, all in the same week.
Malcolm didn't care who you were, as long as you were there to work hard, listen and be respectful. In his own words - he "catered for everybody, and that's what life's about".
His success as a squash coach was down to fact that he was committed to his pupils, week-in, week-out, year after year. His legacy will see him remembered as quite possibly the most successful squash coach of all time, but he was much more than that...
The void left in Pontefract, and within the sport generally in England will be huge. The squash world has so much to thank Malcolm for. We'll be thinking of James, Vanessa, Christy and David, as well as all the people in Pontefract who's lives were so positively impacted by a wonderful man.
Rest in peace Malc.
If you'd like to watch the hour long interview with Malc, Do You Know Who I Am - Inside The Mind Of Malcolm Willstrop - is available for free on our website: squashskills.c...
One of the real heroes in our world, leaving a massive legacy.
Malcom was a very special and unique mam. Just to know the man was a huge privilege. A very sad day indeed.
Rest in peace Malcom.
Love
Bob. X
I had the pleasure of meeting, and getting to know Malcolm on his many visits to The Phoenix Squash Club in Middlesbrough, when he visited and coached the Dunlop Centre of Excellence. I remember James coming into the club carrying a squash racquet which was bigger than himself. It was a long time ago now, and Malcolm still had a game of doubles (and a tipple if my memory serves me right) along with Roger Howard who owned the Phoenix. Sadly Roger is no longer here now too, both are, and will be sadly missed by all who knew them. Malcolm you were a remarkable character, RIP. :o(
The half hour video on Malcolm and the Pontefract club, I think, epitomises the unstinting work Malcolm Willstrop put in, not just for the benefit of the Pontefract squash scene but the world squash scene as a whole!!
Malcolm will be greatly missed by anyone who loves the game......rest easy Malcolm, you sure as hell deserve it!
Thoughts are very much with James and the Willstrop family.
I have never met him, I'm just a keen amateur not very good squash player, but everyone who knows anything about squash knows about Malcolm, this is a beautiful tribute and an insight into the working of a squash legend, he made an impact. Rest in peace Malcolm. Condolences to James and his family.
Massive loss for the world of squash
Thank you @squashskills for making this available publicly. Losing MW is truly a great loss for the squash community. RIP!
what a remarkable man and a uniquely special club. Thank you jethro and @squashskills for making this film
What a legend. Huge respect!
RIP Malcolm x
This was a moving tribute to a legend who has given a lot to so many. I hope that Pontafract club will continue his good work, if not in his exact manner, in his memory so that it can keep producing disciplined committed squash players who love the game, but above all else, have fun. My thoughts are with his family as they mourn his loss.
Malcolm was amazing. I will never forget him. I am happy that both kids could've experience being coached by him.
I think this tribute reflects everything I have experienced and observed at Ponte. My heart goes out to the family, friends, and Ponte community.
malcom was an amazing coach and I don't think there will be many, if any, like him.
Irreplaceable. A great tribute too.
What a wonderful tribute!
RIP Malcom 🙏🏻
lovely tribute to an absolutely wonderful man
Rest in peace Malcolm, your legacy lives on joyously 😊
till we meet again
Brilliant video and definitely a tribute to a great man. Definitely a statue of the great man outside the club needed.
You got me there, very moving tribute! So much love and passion, thanks
Wonderful, inspiring.
Thank you for making this lovely video and for sharing it with the larger audience. I am truly inspired.
Rip💐💐
RIP Malcolm!
Shame on the BBC for not mentioning Malcolm in this years sports personality show.
🙏🏻❤️🥺🥺🥺🥺