Dame Susan Devoy is one of New Zealand's greatest-ever sportswomen and was the world's top-ranked squash player from 1983 until 1992, winning eight British Open women's titles and four World Opens. In retirement, she was knighted aged 34, the youngest Kiwi to achieve the honour since Sir Edmund Hilary. Then after gaining 20 years of experience in a number of roles, Devoy served as New Zealand race relations commissioner from 2013-2018.
In this episode we talk about dropping out of school for squash, the bumpy path to No1 in the world, the realities of having four kids under five, why she retired early, her embarrassing encounter with Bill Clinton, fundraising $500,000 in 1988 with a 2500 mile walk, the death-threats and abuse she suffered in the race relations role and why she'd never do it again, her issues with High-Performance Sport NZ and much, much more.
This one was an epic. Devoy has packed so much into her life and was incredibly open about all the highs and lows along the way. She also has a lot to still give, and in the second half you'll hear the passion is still there to make change. We loved this chat, and know you will to.
Show notes | Episode 83 | Dame Susan Devoy
1.52: Dame Susie D
