Having won gold in Malaysia in 1998, Peter Nicol was a Scottish medal prospect for the Manchester Commonwealth games of 2002. He remained a medal prospect after his decision was made public on March 21 2001, but it was now for the host country.
 |  |
© SCRAN | |
|
At the press conference at which he discussed his reasons for switching sides he said "I have played for Scotland since I was a young junior and there has never been a great relationship. This is not down to money, but to the support I am given. I've never had any support from Scotland - some of the support which I will be given by England, I could never afford to pay for myself. The analysis of video tapes, the physiotherapy and sport psychology support at events that I will get from the English programme are invaluable. It's 10 or 11 years since I've been a professional athlete and I never got that from Scotland."
Peter Nicol was unhappy at the way in which he had been treated and felt money was being wasted, "For funding to go to people who are never going to win medals makes no sense to me". England could provide the back-up he needed due to their impressive squash programme, the residency rule allowed access and he took it wishing to ensure his time in the game could be extended.
The split was both immediate and final. Sportscotland had the right of reply “Peter was offered the opportunity to become a Scottish Institute of Sport athlete which would have made him eligible to receive a comprehensive range of athlete services including physiotherapy, sports science and sports medicine support. He chose not to take up this offer.”
Peter Nicol required the Scottish Authorities to sanction his availability to play in the Commonwealth Games in 2002 for his new nation. They agreed to the request, the sporting thing to do, and Nicol went on to the final but won silver not gold for England.
The rights and wrongs of the defection could be analysed and debated almost endlessly but the truth comes in various shades depending from where it is viewed. It is rarely black and white. In the case of Scotland and Peter Nicol one fact is undisputed, Scotland lost the services of a world champion.
Page: 12
