Cameron Pilley: “You pinch yourself at how good it is to be at the Commonwealth Games”

Being back at the Commonwealth Games is still as exciting as it was the first time for three-time gold medallist Cameron Pilley.

“As soon as you get to your room and find a tonne of Australian gear to put on, it still gives you that little buzz and feels like Christmas when you’re a kid,” said Pilley who is set to participate in his fourth Games.

“Just walking around the village and the experience of having the Australian colours on and being part of a bigger team. 

“Being part of the Australian squash team is phenomenal, but once every four years you get that experience of being part of a bigger team.” 

Despite retiring from the Professional Squash Association World Tour in late 2019, the former world No.11 has been actively involved in the squash scene, from his role as the Director of Squash at The Apawamis Club in New York State to playing doubles with Ryan Cuskelly, who lives within walking distance.

Appearing in a fourth Commonwealth Games was always on Pilley’s radar but after winning gold on home soil at Gold Coast 2018, it almost felt like it was the peak.

So as Birmingham 2022 approached, the 39-year-old was still in top-top condition having played competitively where he lived.

“It wasn’t like I hung up the racquet and had to dust it off and get back in shape for it. I was always in pretty good nick and never really stopped playing,” he said.

“As it got closer it was something I wanted to do again and it’s that buzz of playing for Australia, pulling on the colours and being part of the whole Australian team.”           

Having won that gold medal with Donna Lobban, the cousins are set to reignite their mixed doubles partnership at Birmingham 2022 with hopes to defend their title.

First up, they’ll face Amity Alarcos and Madako Suari of Papua New Guinea on Wednesday 3 August.

“Even though we’re defending champions, it’s been four years, it’s slightly different,” Pilley said. “Four years ago, it was our first time together and it was on home soil so it was a special one. 

“This time, not being a high seed, there isn’t this pressure or expectation on us.”

There could be a few challengers for gold including  Lobban’s husband, Greg, who will partner with Lisa Aitken to represent Scotland. Pilley also could come up against Greg in the men’s doubles as he joins young gun Rory Stewart.    

“I’m sure she’s [Donna] torn. But we will be expecting full Australian support from Donna,” he laughed.

Pilley will also join Rhys Dowling, who made his Commonwealth Games debut in the men’s singles last week.  

Being based in the United States, the duo haven’t had long to train together but their time in the staging camp in Glasgow before coming into the Commonwealth Games proved to be valuable. 

“Over the week it went well as we gelled together and tried to put a few combinations in and get that chemistry on the court,” Pilley said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do.”

Pilley and Dowling were awarded a bye in the Men’s Doubles Round of 32 with their first match to be Friday 5 August. 

Catch all the squash action live from the Commonwealth Games on 7Plus.