Squash confirmed for LA28 Olympic Games

Scottish Squash is delighted with the decision of the IOC Executive Board to confirm squash as part of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games programme.

The decision is a significant milestone in the sport’s history, as it would make its first ever appearance at the Olympics.

The announcement will be seen as an opportunity to super-charge the growth of the game, and has been welcomed across the world and in Scotland.

It is hoped that inclusion in the Olympics will inspire current and future squash players, with another high-profile event to work towards.

Speaking after the announcement, Scottish Squash CEO Maggie Still said: “This is a hugely significant and exciting announcement for squash. Squash at the Olympic Games is a momentous occasion for the game, which will help to grow the game in Scotland and across the world.

“For many sports and athletes, the Olympic Games is the biggest stage of them all, and it is hugely exciting that Scotland’s talented squash players will now be provided with the opportunity to compete in Los Angeles in 2028. The chance to represent Team GB is an exciting one which will motivate young players to achieve their best, and inspire the next generation of squash stars.

“On behalf of Scottish Squash and the wider squash in Scotland community, I would like to congratulate and thank the World Squash Federation, Professional Squash Association, US Squash and LA2028 Organising Committee for their work to promote and secure squash’s inclusion in LA2028.”

Lisa Aitken, who reached a high of 21st in the world rankings last December, said: “There was something a bit magical about the moment when I heard the announcement. It has been years of answering the question of “Why isn’t squash in the Olympics?” and to know that I won’t have to answer that question again is a relief.

“Getting recognition at an Olympic level and on that platform reaching millions and millions of people is going to be so significant for squash. Having the sport recognised at that level is going to be crucial for the growth of the game and development at grassroots.

“Since the moment I heard squash was going to be in the Olympics, all I’ve done is think about what it would be like, and what it’s going to take to get there, and I’ve already started planning the next five years.”

Robyn McAlpine, the seventeen-year-old squash prodigy who made her senior Scotland debut at the European Teams Championship last year, said: “It’s very exciting knowing that squash is going to be in the Olympics, it’s something that I never expected to happen, so to have the opportunity to watch it and potentially play in it is really exciting.

“From a young age I’ve always said that I want to be a professional squash player, and I have had to accept the fact that I won’t have the opportunity to play in the Olympics, so now that I have a chance to be able to play in them, it definitely motivates me to work harder to try and achieve it.”

Read more from the World Squash Federation.