“And you have to say no. ‘Well why not? I thought you were the world number two?’ And you’re like ‘well I am, but it’s actually the sport that’s not there – not me’.”
But that may be about to change.
This Sunday the International Olympic Committee will announce the sport securing the final spot at the 2020 games.
The IOC must choose between squash, wrestling, or baseball/softball. And, while baseball is still recovering following a recent doping scandal involving several of the world’s top players, squash has always been 100% compliant with the World Anti-Doping Agency., external
“It’s really tough obviously,” Massaro said. “I think this is the best bid that our World Squash Federation have ever put together. They’ve done absolute wonders for the sport.”
And they’ve had a fair amount of experience in the preparation, with this being squash’s third Olympic bid. The sport has never looked more ready to ignite the global audience it deserves.
You just have to take a look at the British Open in May to get an idea of why.
Massaro’s victory was staged at the KC Stadium, home of recently promoted Premier League football side Hull City. With the packed crowd in cricket hats and sun cream, you could have been at the Ashes or Wimbledon.
Even better – the whole tournament was streamed live.
Squash’s governing bodies have taken greater control over the sport’s coverage with the launch in 2010 of Squash TV., external This has led to live streaming of even more minor tournaments and improved uniformity in lighting and broadcasting standards.
And we certainly have form in England at squash, given six of the top 10 players in the world – both women and men – are English.