No Medals For You

By Brett Erasmus (written August 14, 2009)
In anticipation of the Olympics I remember back to a piece I wrote in August last year when the IOC voted on which 2 sports to include in the Summer Games going forward:

“On August 13, 2009 the IOC voted golf and rugby sevens onto the short list for addition to the Summer Olympics. The decision to include them will be ratified next month. Karate just missed the cut. This means that, sadly, squash did not feature. Pretty surprising news, considering that four years ago squash made the cut, but actually missed getting in as a two thirds majority was required to ratify. This time around only a simple majority is required, and so golf and rugby are guaranteed a spot in the 2016 Olympic Games. As a supporter of both sports, I am happy they are included (and as a South African, I am very happy that we actually stand a chance of winning a gold medal for a change - we are rugby world champs). But as a squash fan, I am extremely disappointed. The sports were evaluated based on various criteria, like representation, accessibility, and the fact that the Olympic Games would represent the pinnacle of achievement in a given sport. This is something I am sure every professional squash player would agree with - Olympic Gold would certainly be a highlight in their careers. Tiger Woods has won The Open 3 times, has 4 green jackets and has made almost one billion dollars from golf in his lifetime. When asked what he thought of the IOC decision, he said, "I'd love to play for the rugby team". It is such a pity the IOC went for commercial appeal.”

Looking back, at the time I felt like I may have been stepping out on a limb by quoting golf’s golden boy, Tiger Woods, saying something that, although in good humor, may have been slightly out of kilter. Given what has transpired with him over the last few months I don’t think anyone will be too surprised with anything he says (or does, for that matter). Perhaps that is what squash needs, controversy and drama. If fights broke out on court and someone went Tiger off court, perhaps that would generate a little bit of media interest. And then Boom!, next thing you know squash is in the Olympics.

Sadly, I don’t see this happening. And no matter how mentally and physically demanding the game is, in terms of visual appeal it can never compete with watching Sean White doing double mctwist 1260’s in the superpipe. The Winter Olympics starts next Friday. It is going to be great viewing.