Round-Up (TBD): #49 Olympics wrap-up, PSA rebrand & The Great Outdoors (Arnie Dratt)

Conor and Bill dive into PSA's recent rebrand to PSA Squash Tour, the introduction of new tournament tiers, and the evolving player compensation landscape as countries prepare for the LA 2028 Olympics.

The conversation takes a deeper dive into the impact of breakdancing's inclusion in the Paris 2024 Olympics and the fascinating possibilities of athletes transferring national allegiances for better chances at Olympic medals.

We give a nod to Andrew Douglas’s retirement and an anticipated season preview with squash expert PJ Johnson.

Joining the conversation is Arnie Dratt, president of the PSA Foundation, calling in from Chicago to share exciting developments in the outdoor squash movement. Arnie takes us through the journey that began in 2021, inspired by a steel court in New York, and how it evolved to the anticipated installation of a glass court in Union Park by Spring 2025.

They discuss the challenges faced, from structural engineering tests to funding strategies, and the broader implications for squash in the community.  Outdoor squash could have a dramatic impact on the awareness and access for the sport!

01:18 Olympics Fever: Squash in LA 28

01:54 Hollywood's Olympic Takeover

03:54 Olympic Dedication and Personal Skills

07:28 Breakdancing in the Olympics

11:00 Olympic Medal Payouts

13:02 Squash Transfer Portal

17:01 Nicole David: Squash Ambassador

19:00 Career-Ending Changes

19:27 New National Team Coach Announcement

19:39 Role and Impact of a National Coach

20:57 Challenges in Individual Sports

21:24 Pipeline and Junior Team Strategy

21:56 National Team Coach's Influence

24:23 Olympic Aspirations and Future Goals

26:25 Farewell to Andrew Douglas

27:40 PSA Tour Rebranding and Changes

29:41 PSA Tour Structure and Strategy

39:40 Introduction to Outdoor Squash Movement

41:53 Challenges and Setbacks in Chicago

43:32 Finding the Right Court Design

46:41 Finalizing the Court and Future Plans

48:49 Cost and Funding of Outdoor Squash Courts

52:53 Community Engagement and Programming

60:25 Expanding Outdoor Squash to Other Cities

66:37 Conclusion and Call to Action

 

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