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- calendar_today October 27, 2026
Squash's Olympic Breakthrough Fuels Motivation
The long-anticipated inclusion of squash in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles is energizing Canadian players, including Hollie Naughton, who is currently focusing her efforts on securing a spot in the historic event. As squash moves from the periphery to the Olympic stage, athletes like Naughton are embracing the new opportunity with renewed determination.
Building Towards Olympic Qualification
For Naughton, a top-50 ranking coupled with a Pan Am Games title in Peru next year represents one of the main qualification routes to become part of the 16-player women's squash draw in Los Angeles. The 32-year-old, who has previously risen as high as world No. 16, is now ranked No. 37 and is focusing on performing at her best in major tournaments. The chance to compete as an Olympian holds a particular allure, as Naughton explained, "You can win Pan Am Games medals, Commonwealth Games [medals], but as soon as you say, 'I'm an Olympian,' it just has a better ring to it. So, it would be fantastic to finish my career at the Olympics."
Canadian Roots and Training Return
Originally from Barnsley, England, Hollie Naughton has deep connections to Canada, where she grew up in Mississauga and Oakville, Ontario. She represented Canada on the international stage while based in Leeds, England, before moving back to Toronto last year. Naughton described how being at home has helped solidify her game and provided a supportive environment, stating, "Being back in the home country, you're going to feel a lot more support as well. So, I think that obviously adds to it a little bit too."
Striving for Success on the PSA Tour
Naughton is one of the most powerful ball-strikers on the professional squash circuit and boasts a strong array of shots, bringing a wealth of experience to her matches. With four PSA Tour titles to her name, she continues to chase further success, participating in the Canadian Women's Open and other major events. Her coach, former world top-10 player Graham Ryding, expressed confidence in her abilities: "There's no reason why she can't play her best squash towards the end ... and finish strong." Another coach, Robin Clarke of Toronto, observed, "I think that she's probably at a higher level than she was when she won a silver medal at the [2022] Commonwealth Games. I think she needs a few more match wins and maybe a tournament win to get her to have a little bit more belief."
Pathways Through Major Championships
In addition to Olympic aspirations, Naughton is looking ahead to the 2027 Pan Am Games in Lima as a pivotal milestone. Her career has already included milestones such as becoming the first Canadian woman to win a squash medal at the Commonwealth Games, where she earned silver in 2022 and carried the Canadian flag at the closing ceremony in Birmingham, England. These achievements underscore her significance in Canadian squash and her ongoing pursuit of excellence on the PSA Tour.
Squash’s Hollywood Moment Awaits
The International Olympic Committee approved squash’s entry into the Games in 2023, alongside disciplines such as baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and T20 cricket. For the Olympic tournament, players will compete at the Comcast Squash Center on the Universal Studios backlot in Los Angeles, a location familiar from movies like "Back to the Future." As Naughton observed, "I think sometimes I've done my best when I've been the underdog...I think it's a fantastic challenge."
Source: cbc.ca.
