Squash has not made the cut again in the Olympics, and Squash president Joanne Brodie cannot help but express her frustration.
The year 2020 saw the persistence of Squash Australia to land a spot for the sport in the Paris 2024 Olympics. However, their effort was for naught.
Australian president Joanne Brodie expressed her extreme disappointment following the failed invitation for squash to partake in one of the most prestigious sports events in the world, following the recent announcement of the addition of breakdancing in the Olympics. The 'breaking' sport will be making its debut in 2024.
Other sports, including surfing, skateboarding, and sport climbing, will also be introduced in the delayed Tokyo Olympics, which will start on July 23 and end on August 8 next year. They will also be played in the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Squash Australia had high hopes that squash's Olympic bid will be reconsidered. But, after its fourth rejection in-a-row, the dismay became more intense.
Even the World Squash Federation and the Professional Squash Association supported Squash Australia throughout their battle for Olympic recognition, only for the campaign to fizzle out.
"I was extremely disappointed to hear that squash missed out on inclusion at the 2024 Olympic Games. Instead, surfing, skateboarding, sport climbing, and breakdancing will be included at the Paris Games," Squash president Joanne Brodie stated.
Previously, six-time British Open champion Michelle Martin shared the same sentiment. After the trending inclusion of breaking in the Olympics, she claimed that it appears to be a form of 'mockery' to squash.
"You just look at the whole thing and you just go 'where's the Olympics going?' I know some people say breakdancing's a sport but ... I don't understand," Martin spoke to AAP.
RELATED ARTICLE: Is Squash on the Verge of Non-Existence?
Martin added that the Olympics revolves around scoring, and she described it as a race. The Aussie legend highlighted that there should be a conclusive outcome and results in the sport, and she does not even see it in breakdancing.
"They've obviously got something against squash because it's been rejected in the past, it just keeps getting overlooked," Martin continued in a devastated tone.
Seven years ago, No. 5 tennis player Roger Federer supported squash in its bid for the 2020 Olympics. Until now, Federer thinks that squash should be qualified for the Olympics.
Meanwhile, softball will not be joining the Paris Olympics, but it will be included next year in the Tokyo Olympics.
Softball Australia CEO David Pryles was not surprised at the very least for the softball's exclusion in 2024.
"It's obviously a kick in the teeth when you're in an Olympics and you're back out, (but) you're just got to play the cards you are dealt," Pryles uttered.
Despite a failed bid in Paris, Pryles is positive that softball will come back at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. He also appreciated the efforts from the Australian Institute of Sport who supported them throughout their softball campaign for the Olympic qualification.
Shropshire Squash Club, an Australian club, stated that squash is slowly gaining recognition around the globe. The presence of the squash will also give the youth the motivation to aim for the gold when the time comes that it will be included in the Olympics.
READ MORE ON SWN:
Paul George Agrees With Clippers' Max Contract Extension
MLB Reveals Final Lineup for the 2020 All-MLB Team
Top 10 Rising College Basketball Stars on the Watch
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
