Squash at the Olympics: What the players think

With Squash now taking its place in the Olympic programme at LA 2028, we asked some of the countries leading players what the announcement means for them.

Q: What would it mean to you to become an Olympian?
Jess Turnbull: It would mean the world. I think its every athlete's dream to be an Olympian, so for that now to be an option for squash players is incredible! I've always wanted the Olympic rings tattoo! 

Joseph White: I think every kid who watches the Olympics and becomes involved in sports has some desire to be an Olympian and while I didn't think I would get that opportunity as a squash player its incredible to think that in five years time I could be competing for the first Olympic Medals. The Olympics is the pinnacle of sport and the worldwide recognition and coverage will be huge for the sport and squash players individually.

Alex Haydon: A dream come true. I’ve always wanted to go to the Olympics since I was a little girl. I’ve always hoped Squash would be included. I can’t believe it. In five years time, I may get to call myself an Olympian. How exciting is that!

Madison Lyon: To be considered or even selected for the Olympic team would mean everything to me as a professional squash player. Squash hasn’t been seen in the Olympics and I think that it definitely deserves its place there. 

Q: Did you ever think this day would come?
Turnbull: Honestly, no I didn't. I didn't think Squash would make it into the Olympics in my career lifetime. It's going to be a huge boost for Squash around the world and I hope it helps our pro tour as well.  

White: Each time we have tried for inclusion we have made it to the final round of sports but missed out, so I have been rather sceptical of our inclusion, particularly as there has been a lot less media coverage and public campaigning for our sport. I do remember being at the World Games last year and having the IOC president Thomas Bach attending the Squash and thought that it was a great sign for our sport. There is still some disbelief that our sport is finally being recognised and included.

Haydon: In short, I’ve always been hopeful but I’ve also had my doubts. Most non-Squash players that I’ve come into contact with about the Olympics assume that Squash is in it. They simply cannot believe it isn’t when I express that it hasn’t been included (until now), simply because there’s no doubt that Squash as a sport deserves to be in the Olympics.

I’ve always hoped this day would come but this announcement definitely left me gobsmacked - Joe [White] and I are currently training in Connecticut and we were grocery shopping when the email came through. Joe told me to check my emails very urgently and when I did my jaw just dropped.

Next moment I’m jumping around the grocery store in such happiness and excitement. This announcement was the most pleasant surprise and I’m so excited for our sport to make history in the Olympics!

Lyon: I think anyone who has grown up playing sport has always wanted or dreamt of being an Olympian at some point, myself included. I’ve certainly relished in the idea of competing in the Olympics as a squash player, however until now I never really thought  it possible.

The Olympics is the highest level of competition within sports and in my opinion one of the greatest achievements for an athlete. To not just represent my country but my sport as well at that level, would be such an incredible honour. 

Q: Have you already started to think about a five-year plan towards LA?
Turnbull: I have! Obviously I'm one of our older athletes so thinking about how life and Squash are going to move forward in a way that I can still get the most out of myself is something I'll need to work on and work out as the years go on. 

White: I think it’s exciting as an athlete to think in an Olympic cycles. While I am always looking to the future and what opportunities are ahead this will be the first time I am thinking 4-5 years ahead and basing plans around that. I've definitely started to begin planning towards making the Olympics the priority and as I graduate uni at the end of this year, I will look to be based overseas full-time to realise this dream.

Haydon: Yes! This announcement has cemented a new ultimate goal in my mind. I’ve already started mapping out the timeline. Thinking about where I want to be based training between now and then, that’ll help me develop best into the Olympic player I want to be. The short-term goals along the way, adjustments I’ll make to my current university alongside these goals, etc.

Lyon: It most definitely serves as an incentive for me not just in training but in each and every match I play. I think that this announcement has really added to my desire to strive for more. 

Q: What can this mean for the sport as a whole?
Turnbull: It's fantastic that Squash and its athletes are finally getting the recognition they deserve. I hope this inspires athletes of all ages and standards. 

White: I am hoping with the increased interest that the Olympics brings, combined with the recent investment in the PSA by the Walter Foundation that Squash can grow to reach a much wider audience and hopefully increase the number of people playing the sport.

Haydon: So excited for what this means for our sport of Squash across the world and in Australia. Let’s use this epic milestone to continue to progress and build our sport to new heights! Thank you to LA2028 for including us and everyone that was involved to make this possible.