Jonathon Power - World Champion, Former World #1, Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist, Retired PSA Tour Professional
"There is no question the Olympics would be beneficial.  Any athlete would like a stage that big and the Olympics would do great things for our sport.  Who does the lobbying, their effectiveness and the process that is a whole other question.  All the players would be thrilled to compete for an Olympic gold medal."


Richard Graham - Professional Squash Association, CEO
"With regard to the WSF/IOC situation it  is crucial that the WSF immediately appoints a strong leader to speahead the  bid.  This person, by necessity, needs to have a deep understanding of  the IOC and a track record of success in dealing with them.  Such  individuals are usually in high demand, not cheap and I'm confident that WSF realises that it needs to find one instantly in order to resurrect the Olympic bid and recover the ground lost to  other contender sports over the past 4 years.
 
As such, the WSF probably needs to  allocate all of its available financial resources to this person's  compensation package, once he/she has been identified, as well as putting the individual on a hefty "win bonus" if successful.
 
Such a drastic, 11th-hour appointment  should not even be taking place at this juncture - but such is the stagnation  of the Olympic bid under the outgoing Secretary General that it has now  become imperative to be undertaken without delay. 
 
As a sport we  need to quickly find a "game plan" for the next 12 months which also harnesses  the attributes of the PSA and WISPA (players and tournaments) and brings them  into the concerted project with the WSF, and the authority that they have to speak on behalf of squash.
 
One only has to see the coverage afforded  to an array of secondary sports in Beijing to understand what is at stake  for us. The WSF has to "bet the house" on a successful outcome,  as the consequences of exclusion from future Olympiads could see  squash marginalised as a sport which garners little interest amongst sports  ministries, prospective venues and a new generation of prospective players alike."


David Carr, McWil Sports
"Richard raises absolutely valid points and identifies critical needs, but I am not certain he is completely spot-on.  For instance, I am not convinced that the WSF realises the needs.  One only has to review the video that was used to introduce the IOC to squash and included Sarah Fitzgerald hitting on an absolutely filthy plaster court.  Is this not akin to showing up to interview for the job of one's career with a big stain on one's shirt, or with one's skirt tucked firmly into one's pantyhose ("tights" for those who only speak English!)?

Agreeing generally with the concept that squash needs a "super-Ambassador" to lobby soon and intensively for Olympic inclusion, the funding is a real issue and I suspect even dedicating 100% of the WSF financial resources over a period of several years would still result in a figure short of hiring the level of talent golf can afford.  It would seem that the role might only be appropriate for someone with personal interest and assets - and connections - to make it work.  A labour of love, as it were.  That person would have to be schooled on the IOC side of things, but perhaps that is a lower hurdle for squash to overcome than coming up with gobs of cash to support a commercial lobbying scheme.  Any volunteers from the ranks of wealthy squash nuts who forgot to cultivate a hobby for retirement?

I would imagine there are fascinating case studies from which squash could learn.  It is easy to say that beach volleyball is in the Olympics because there are girls in skimpy suits, but no doubt it is more complicated - and interesting - than that.  Did Jose Cuervo finance getting beach VB into the Olympics?  Volleyball was already an Olympic sport, so why add the beach version?  Television?  It would be instructive, no doubt, to understand how table tennis (1988), badminton (1992), taekwondo (2000) and triathlon (2000) went from where squash is presently as a recognized sport to full inclusion.  Even without in-depth knowledge I can think of pros and cons for each of these sports, but no more or less than I can posit for squash.  

Speaking beyond my pay grade, as it were, I wonder if the WSF learned from all these examples, or did squash resort to simply doing the best it could given the tools already in the shed?  I am sure presentations were made to include the eccentric origins of the sport in prison, the spread of the game through the Empire, the Khan legends and the PT Barnum blather about how 600 million people are watching the World Open on SkySports.  Did anyone include info about inner-city kids participating at SquashBusters in Boston or in a dozen other urban squash programmes in the US?  Did anyone include discussion of play in South America, South Africa, the Caribbean?  Did anyone compare the number of nations participating in the Pan Am Games squash events to the number of nations playing baseball at the Games? 

I am not suggesting that these are all automatic winners for squash, but just wondering if the IOC was told a British story or a world story.  Or, putting it another way, is squash simply too Anglo-centric to tell a story that has broad appeal?  I am sure the first court in Egypt was in one of the Queen's garrisons, but what a story how the locals have transcended those origins today.  Surely the French are not at the peak of their squash powers today because of the influence of the Jesters!  Is the French Olympic Committee committed to seeing squash in the Games?  Questions, questions, questions - I am just wondering how many of them have been asked, much less answered, at the WSF office.

Finally, Richard's most important comment is his point about the "game plan" that would coordinate the efforts and assets of the WSF, PSA and WISPA.   In the last decade the lack of respect between and among these bodies has been palpable.  I think the source of most of this problem has been the PSA, and I would suggest to Richard that it would be a great service to the game to extend the invitation and take a leadership role to start a new era in this regard.  The resources of squash are scarce enough that it only makes sense to maximize the impact of those we have."  

Ross Triffit, Professional Squash Event Organizer, Bermuda Squash
"I was surprised to hear about the WSF vacancies. I don’t believe this was widely publicized, which seems odd to me considering how important Christian’s and Jahanghir’s roles are to our sport. I hope the WSF and the greater squash community gives them the recognition they deserve for their achievements during their tenure. Their departure does however provide an opportunity for change, which may be positive or negative. I hope the WSF considers all options and candidates and is aggressive and proactive in their search for replacements of such key figures in our sport.

I strongly believe that Squash’s inclusion in the Olympics will have a positive effect on the sport. It will increase funding and exposure, which are two areas where we are behind many other sports. At the same time we shouldn’t just focus on our campaign for inclusion. It is extremely important that we try to raise the image of the sport as a whole and that each time it is presented in the public eye it is presented in a professional and positive manor. Our major events need to appeal to people who don’t play the sport, but are attending for the entertainment value. It is no good preaching to the choir.

It is a great travesty that Squash is not already included in the Olympics, but have the WSF really done everything they can in their campaign? Probably…but I believe the problem is the disconnect between professionals in the sport and the amateur administrators who ultimately make the decisions. These administrators (Presidents of National Governing Bodies) volunteer their time and have been elected into these positions because of the contribution they’ve made, their passion and their willingness to volunteer for the sport.

All good reasons, however, they are not reliant on the success of the sport for their livelihood and may not have all the necessary skills to make a valuable contribution to the future direction of the sport. While I haven’t seen the WSF’s presentation to the IOC in its final form, I have seen the material on the WSF site, which I believe not to be as professional as the presentations from professional event promoters. Unfortunately, the professionals in the sport are often too busy trying to make a living to be able to assist the greater administration of the sport."


John Flanigan, Professional Squash Event Organizer
"It's imperative for the professional (and amateur) game to get Olympic status.  The WSF really needs to go forward with everything they can possibly afford. An insider with IOC connections would be ideal." 
 

John Nimick, Event Engine, President
"Squash has 13 months to grab the attention of the International Olympic Committee before its review in October '09 of potential new sports for the Games.  The sole purpose of the WSF leadership should be geared towards this goal, even if it means creating a short term solution for the roles of Chief Executive and President.  High level lobbying has to be mixed next year with on-the-ground promotion of glass court squash "events" (not necessarily pro tournaments) in high profile, public locations unlike anything the sport has done before."

Tim Garner, Eventis Sports Marketing, Former PSA Touring Pro
"I have always thought that squash would be a wonderful addition to the Olympics, whilst also benefiting our sport. The secret to squash’s campaign will be to demonstrate this, rather than focussing too heavily on why squash needs the Olympics (I am sure there are many sports that would love Olympic inclusion to help them along as well, but are a lot less qualified to be part of things).

There is no doubt that winning Olympic Gold would be the pinnacle of a squash players career, but this sadly is not enough any more to get the invite to the Olympic party. Squash now needs to build on the pole position that was achieved in 2005, and to demonstrate all of the attributes that make it a sport worthy of a place at the Games. It is no longer enough just to say ‘we should be there’. Prove it!

I am quite sure the Management Committee of the WSF are well aware of the role they need to play in guiding the sport forwards at this time, and will look to use every resource available to them to maximise the IOC’s awareness of the strides that the sport has taken over the past few year’s in terms of globally where the sport is played, associations working together, the unification of the men’s & women’s pro games playing the same scoring, 3-man refereeing to reduce confrontation with officials and so on.

We will always strive to put on quality events that befit and hopefully benefit the sport, and as long as everyone from all aspects of the game do likewise I am confident we will see squash players battling it out for Gold in 2016."

Alan Thatcher, Event Promoter and TV Commentator
"Watching the Olympics unfold on TV brings home the bitter disappointment that squash is not part of the pageant.

Michael Phelps has been the star of the show with his phenomenal achievements in the swimming pool. British fans have also been cheering success in the pool, on the sea and the cycling track.

Medals make headlines. Medals generate funding. Medals attract new kids to the sport.

And that's something that squash could have delivered for the Australians in Sydney in 2000. Just imagine an Olympic Games squash event back then with David Palmer, Sarah Fitzgerald, Michelle Martin and Carol Owens representing the Aussies. Yes, I know Carol switched allegiance to New Zealand, but maybe things would have been different had an Olympic squash event been on the horizon Down Under. No disrespect to any otf the other players around at the time, like Cassie Jackman, Leilani Joyce and Natalie Grainger, but the Aussie girls would have been favourites to have cleaned up most of the medals on home soil, for sure.

It prompts the question of how hard did the Australian Olympic organisers push for squash to be included, with the virtual guarantee of two or three medals on the cards. And how hard did Sebastian Coe and his team push for squash to be included in the London 2012 Games?

Not hard enough is the obvious answer. That then leads on to the lobbying process undertaken by squash. Just how hard did we try? How professional was the bid? Was the bidding process a level playing field? Can we afford the same kind of lobbying programme being undertaken by sports like golf and rugby as they bid for a place in the 2016 Games? Can any of us match the financial clout of baseball as it fights like a wounded tiger to return to the Olympic fold? And will baseball be calling on the kind of global influence the Americans can bring to bear on satellite nations reliant on US funding for many of their national sports infrastructures?

Will those countries simply fall into line and follow the Americans' bidding, as was apparent with the round of voting in Singapore when squash, thinking it had gained a place in the Gams, suddenly found itself out in the cold again as the Americans successfully blocked any new sports being admitted in the hope of finding a quick return route for baseball? If so, how can we influence the Americans to support our sport, when most people in the USA think squash is a vegetable?

All of these questions need to be addressed, and very quickly, as the World Squash Federation continues its lobbying process and sets about appointing a new chief executive.

If I'd gone to Beijing I would have smuggled in some giant banners saying "Squash For The Olympics" and made sure I was in line with the TV cameras. There's nothing to stop squash fans doing the same at the SuperBowl, at Wimbledon or the FA Cup Final. We need to be seen. We need to be out there. And, above all, we need leadership. We need radical, committed people to make these things happen.

Alongside the lobbying, we need more below the line activity. We need men and women of vision to lead our sport and take it where it deserves to be. That way we get the TV, we get the sponsorship, and, hopefully, a place in the Olympics."

Shaun Moxham, Coach & Manager of David Palmer
Undoubtably if Squash can secure a place in the Olympics it would be a huge boast for the sport globally. In order to achieve Olympic selection many things must fall into place for the sport over the coming 12 months. None more so then the three governing bodies, namely the WSF, Wispa and the PSA coming together and not only showing a united front but actually putting practices in place which show that they are working together on one common goal, the advancement of our sport on a global scale at all levels of participation.

In my opinion there can only be one World Governing body, most certainly it may contain departments which are responsible for the various levels and segments of our game however the thrust forward must be common and clear, a great team will always defeat a team of great individuals.
 
I wish all parties involved in the process success and look forward to viewing our great sport in the Olmpic Games from 2016 onwards."


Micheal Corren, PSA Touring Pro
Squash obtaining it's rightful place in the Olympics would do wonders for those involved within the sport directly. Improved government funding for athletes and programs would give all involved a shot in the arm and to at least feel like 'real' professionals! 

As far as exposure goes on the world wide stage, it certainly couldn't hurt.  Would it solve Squash's problems out there in the real world though? I doubt it.

Walking in to some public squash centres is like jumping into a time machine back to the 60's. Dirty courts, unsanded floors, musty smells, leering old codgers with red noses up at the bar....maybe a chuckle for the converted, but not a selling point for the young and keen 'new gen'.

Driving through my home town of Adelaide after the Australian Open took me on a trail of closed down centres, at least six within twenty minutes of driving. They are now gyms, car parks or just plain demolished...and one of those centres held two World Opens!

So, Squash in the Olympics? Bloody oath! It can only help.

How to get it in? Maybe John Power has the right idea in his DVD when he mentions a big brown paper bag stuffed with cash! Sad but probably true.....


Jansher Khan -  8 x World, 6 x British Open Champion, World #1 for over 8 Years, Retired PSA Tour Professional
It is the misfortune of such a grand sport as SQUASH to not have found inclusion in the Olympics till now, for people know that it is a sport played by millions of people all over the world.

I myself had the aspirations during my playing days to win an Olympic Gold Medal for my country, it was one of my biggest dreams which unfortunately could not come true. I have been personally prioritizing this issue ever since 1990, for I personally feel that to win a gold medal in the Olympics is one of the highest honors to ornate any athlete's career. 

I remember personally requesting the chairman of the IOC committee to ponder the matter when he came to witness (as the chief guest) the Spanish Open a long time ago in which I was also participating, but sadly nothing materialized. Now once again I hold high hopes for the inclusion of Squash into the Olympics for the year 2016 and nurture the dream that wat I couldn't do for my country (win an olympic gold), my son will do (by the grace of God) when Squash sees it's Olympic dreams come true.


Robert Edwards - Voice of Squash, Former PSA Board Member, 22 Years, 250+ Tournaments in Pro Squash
For more than 20 years I have added my voice to those screaming for squash to become an Olympic Sport.

Nobody can deny that it is overdue - a clean sport that is played universally and by so many throughout the world. A sport than can boast players of the highest athletic standing. In calling for squash to receive this accolade I would not demean my plea by speaking badly of other sports that are part of the Olympic make up.

By claiming that we are more deserved than they are - no, I make my claim from watching and being involved at the very highest level of the sport for more than two decades.

To have been thrilled by the likes of Jahangir and Jansher Khan - Jonah Barrington & Geoff Hunt and more latterly Peter Nicol, David Palmer and Amr Shabana etc., has been a sporting privilege. They are sportsman of the highest possible standard, who would have thrilled sports fans at any Olympics they had graced with their presence. Add to these names the likes of Michelle Martin, Sarah FitGerald and Nicol David and you have an idea of what the sporting public have been missing over the years.

Official Efforts
World Squash Federation - Olympics Page
2012 Squash Olympics Promo Video

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