Ann Manley back in Bristol after seventh squash world record title

Ann Manley, an 80-year-old squash player from Bristol, has returned home after winning her seventh world record title. She won the World Masters over-80s event in Perth, Australia, where she faced three other players, all Australians. The win was described as astonishing.

Manley has played squash since she was a teenager and still plays at her local club in Redland. In an interview at the club, she wore an England shirt and spoke about what keeps her in the sport. She said she loves the energy, hitting a ball and chasing it around the court. She also values the friends she has made through squash.

She said she feels lucky to still be playing and privileged to have travelled the world through the sport. Her daughter Jo also plays squash with her. Jo called her mother an absolute inspiration and an incredible mum who is always on the go. She said she loves playing with her, though Manley can be difficult to play, does not pull any punches and takes no prisoners.

Manley has never touched alcohol, a detail highlighted during the interview as another part of her enduring success. The achievement adds to a long squash career that began in her teenage years and has taken her around the world.