A world-renowned squash player from Midlands has died after a long battle with cancer at the age of 61.

Jean Reynolds, an excellent racket player which can be seen on her lustrous career as a squash and tennis player for thirty years, had always found hope through sports despite her long illness. She also served as the chairperson of the Women’s Squash Rackets Association and was captain of Edgbaston Golf Club ladies’ section.

During her younger years, Reynolds played tennis, winning several singles and doubles tournaments along the way. Her biggest achievement in the sport was her runner up finish at the Girls’ Wimbledon doubles tournament in 1965. Since then she participated to the seniors tournaments where she won several high profile match against top players.

After her marriage to stockbroker Peter Reynolds in 1971, Reynolds diverted her interest to squash, where she eventually excelled. After her successful foray in racquet sports, she found it easy to play squash. The talent was also cultivated through her coach Nasrullah Khan of Pakistan. She eventually represented Scotland in international competitions.

Later in life, Reynolds served as private secretary to former City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Conductor Sir Simon Rattle. She also acted as the chairman of the Women’s Squash Rackets Association which made it possible for her to make trips abroad to provide support to the young players.

Despite the emergence of her illness in the eighties, Reynolds still continued playing squash, golf and tennis despite advices from doctors that she should step back and rest.

Reynolds is survived by her husband and two sons.