Dame Susan Devoy isn’t afraid of much. The four-time world squash numberone champion, former Race Relations Commissioner, chairwoman of The Halberg Trust, Celebrity Treasure Island contestant, mum of four boys and even one-time kiwifruit picker is unashamedly straighttalking and famously lacks any filter.
But this year, her courage has been tested because as well as turning 60, she’s also become an author, penning Dame Suzy D: My Story, a book about her remarkable life.
“It felt huge turning 60 – I was in complete denial about it all,” reveals Susan, who now lives in Mount Maunganui with John Oakley, her husband of 38 years. “I can’t believe how fast time has flown. Next month, it’ll be 40 years since I won the squash British Open and while it doesn’t feel like yesterday, it doesn’t feel like four decades ago either.
