By Olivia Blatchford
Well if I didn’t already want squash to be in the Olympics, the Pan-American games toppled me over. The Pan-American Games, this year celebrated in Guadalajara, Mexico, was truly the experience of a lifetime. Having been jealous of those competing in the Commonwealth Games, it was very exciting to be included on the team traveling down south. Representing the country on the highest level was an honor, and the privilege of getting to know other athletes could not have been more rewarding.
Once again the US squash team was comprised of one motley crew with Julian Illingworth heading the men’s team, followed by Chris Gordon and a very eager Graham Bassett. The women’s team, no less eclectic included myself, Maria Elena Ubina and Lily Lorentzen. Our coach/manager, Chris Walker, who had surgery only weeks before, rounded us off. For what it’s worth, I don’t believe any team laughed in the dining hall as much as we did, nor entertained the crowd as well.
We started off in Houston picking up a bag of Nike clothing (much to everyone’s delight), taking a few pictures, and dinner before heading out early the next morning. Houston would also mean a surprise visit from USADA for Lily and Maria Elena, a very enlightening experience to say the least. Especially at 11pm at night.
Arriving in Guadalajara was astounding. Although the living arrangements were not what we expected (we weren’t allowed to flush our toilet paper) the Village was home for our 11 day stay. Thousands of athletes, all from different countries and different sports walking around in their warm-ups ignited the most amazing atmosphere; a true celebration of sport. Being included amongst Olympic sports was eye opening, displaying the potential of squash within the Olympic Tier. We weren’t just the squash players, we were amongst gold medalists, and treated just as importantly. The USOC had set up a small base for all the US athletes. We were able to use phones, computers and just chill with other teammates from many different sports, giving us the ability to meet and support one another.
As a collective team USA we all marched together into a stadium of 30,000 screaming fans, behind our flag, as the 16th Pan-American Games were officially opened.
Our Team continued to grow stronger and close knit as the days went on, producing the feeling only resultant of camaraderie. Early mornings, for some, and late nights for others, may have tested our bodies but did little to perturb the positivity of the group.
Though none of our US Team members received a medal in the individual event, myself and Maria Elena claimed a bronze, after losing to Mexico in the semis, and our men, Julian and Chris, brought home a lovely looking silver, after narrowly losing to (again) the Mexican team in the finals. Joel, our very dedicated physiotherapist/Chiropractor took great care of us, as we headed into the Team event. Clinching massive wins in our match against Mexico, Maria Elena and Lily brought us through to the semifinals, which would be played the next morning against Colombia. Unfortunately, after having given all she had during her match, Lily was ill with gastroenteritis and was unable to wholeheartedly compete the next morning. Having missed out just barely, a 2-1 defeat to Colombia would grant us a team Bronze. The boys went on to also be awarded a bronze medal—all in all Team USA returning with four medals.
The Pan-Americans was a small taste of what the Olympics are like and, truthfully, it was divine. Although Team USA Squash did not come back with a gold medal, I believe that we came back with a wealth of excitement. We had come together as a team, Chris leading us, enjoyed thoroughly every moment and represented the US team and squash as a whole. Now about the Olympic games…
