Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games
by Nick-at-Will

July 12, 2017 - The announcement that squash will be a "showcase" sport at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, is to say the least...interesting! As some may view this as opening the door to squash being part of the Olympic Games in 2020, 2024 or 2028...not so fast! We checked both the event's web site and even Wikipedia and found that nowhere does squash appear as a "participation" sport. Maybe it's because it isn't! Squash is to be included as a "showcase" sport...only! We wonder (the WSF hasn't elaborated) what that means! Alex Gough, PSA CEO said:  “The opportunity to expose the sport on a worldwide stage, while at the same time introducing squash to an entirely new generation of athlete is very exciting for us and everyone involved in the game and we welcome the opportunity for our young athletes to compete for an Olympic medal in 2018. With a focus on development, the Youth Olympics is also very much a testing ground for the Olympic Movement and we welcome the opportunity to showcase our sport in this setting and display both the adaptability and uniqueness of the all-glass squash show-court and the skills and athleticism of our players.” Commenting on the news, World Squash Federation president Jacque Fontaine said: “To be added to the Youth Olympic Games for 2018 is a great moment for squash and a step in the right direction towards our ultimate aim of Olympic Games inclusion." So...the words "expose," "development" and "testing ground" must be taken with caution. What "squash" countries, teams and athletes will be "showcased?" Stay tuned!

Post script: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_Summer_Youth_Olympics#Sports