11-Jan-05:
WORLD BOSS OPTIMISTIC FOR SQUASH OLYMPIC INCLUSION
by Gordon Dexter, Squash Australia
 Outgoing World Squash Federation (WSF) chief executive
Ted
Wallbutton says he’s optimistic about the chances of squash being
included in the 2012 Olympics when the decision on the Games program
is revealed, probably in July.
Wallbutton said it was the most encouraging step for squash in 25
years when the WSF received confirmation last September that it had
been approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as one of
five recognised federations to be "studied further" with a view to
inclusion in the 2012 Olympic Games.
He said the IOC was assessing the merits of all the sports and
disciplines that were on the program of the Athens Games, plus the
five selected recognised sports – squash, karate, golf, rugby union
and roller sports.
“It’s the most positive step we’ve had in 25 years of trying to get
in the Olympics – suddenly we’ve been elevated out of the also-rans
and into the Olympic club,” said Wallbutton, who will retire from
his post at the end of the month to take on a new role as
Professional Squash Association event marketing executive.
“However, we’re not on the program yet but at least the IOC has
recognised we have the capabilities and quality to be there.
“I have no doubt that all squash players would value an Olympic
medal as the biggest prize in the sport. To play on the world’s
greatest sporting stage would be a tremendous honour.”
Squash fits the bill
Wallbutton said squash met the 33 criteria set by the IOC Executive
Board and believed the sport’s global popularity was evidenced by
the fact it was played by 15 million people in more than 150
countries and was in all other major multi-sports events, including
the Commonwealth Games, World Games, Asian Games, All-Africa Games
and Pan American Games.
“This makes our case particularly strong,” he said.
Wallbutton believes squash has a unique combination of benefits that
make it suitable for Olympic inclusion.
“We have a huge player base, a wide spread of nations playing the
sport, a simple and relatively inexpensive format for the Games and,
most importantly, every top player in the world would compete if
given the chance,” said Wallbutton, who will vacate his position for
Chilean-born Christian Leighton on January 31.
“The other sports competing for a place on the 2012 program will
have to show that they are equally suited.”
Another boost for squash’s chance of Olympic selection was seen
during the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games, when IOC president
Jacques Rogge visited only two sports – squash and hockey.
Triathlon and tae kwondo were the last additions to the Olympic
program, back in 2000.
Wallbutton has held his position with the WSF for 14 years and
during that time the membership of the federation has more than
doubled and the organisation has been completely restructured.
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www.worldsquash.org
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| “It’s the most positive step we’ve had in
25 years of trying to get in the Olympics – suddenly we’ve
been elevated out of the also-rans and into the Olympic club.” |
“I have no doubt that all squash players
would value an Olympic medal as the biggest prize in the
sport.”
 |
| “The other sports competing for a place on the 2012 program will
have to show that they are equally suited.” |
|
