Fitz-Gerald the Master
August 4, 2005 by Ryan Barnett, SquashTalk Independent News Service © 2005 

Five Time World Champ Fitz-Gerald Surfaces in Canada
World Junior and five time Women’s World Open Squash Champion Sarah Fitz-Gerald has added another two titles to her resume. In the recently completed World Masters Games held July 22-31st in Edmonton, Alberta Canada Fitz-Gerald mowed through the field in women’s singles competition surrendering a total of only 11 points. She also took the Teams title along with mates Bob Ballinger and Jamie Crombie. For Fitz-Gerald this recent visit to Canada provided the perfect opportunity to see some old friends and have fun at the same time. A brief stop-over in Calgary provided the perfect opportunity for me to get her thoughts on the event, discuss in greater detail her decision to withdraw from the Commonwealth Games, and future plans.

Sarah Fitz-Gerald: "... I really enjoyed myself ... " photo © Debra Tessier

ST: So how was Edmonton? I guess you could say you’ve now won eight World Titles?

Sarah Fitz: (Laughs) It was good a time. Winning these titles are very different from what I was used to because the atmosphere was fun, there was low intensity, not as competitive, and I was also playing on a mixed team. I knew the World’s were in Edmonton and had some discussions with Bob Ballinger and decided I would play if I was in the area. I was set on just playing the Teams then decided that seeing how I was already there I would play the singles as well. This was actually my 2nd Masters event the first being the Victorian Open and I really enjoyed myself as going ended up being a real positive experience. For the most part my opponents had traveled a long way so I played with good spirit and focused on giving them a good run. Being a past professional who trained for squash I was mainly up against amateurs and club players.

ST: The detractors will look at this and say that it’s unfair for such a skilled player to be competing against amateurs. How much fun or satisfaction do you get beating someone 27-0?

Sarah Fitz-Gerald: "... I get satisfaction from giving my amateur opponent a good fun game ... " photo © 2005 Debra Tessier

Sarah Fitz: I get satisfaction from giving my amateur opponent a good fun game where they can feel the difference in my ability and there’s and learn from it. Many of my opponents enjoy saying that they were on the court and played a match with a former World Champion. To the detractors I say simply that I retired from professional squash NOT the sport of squash. I have every right to play events that do not constitute a world ranking. Events like league, local tournaments and future Masters Events should I so choose.

ST: Well said. I read a story a few weeks back about your decision to withdraw from the Commonwealth Games and the first paragraph said it was a “lack of motivation” which was the major factor. What’s the real deal?

Sarah Fitz: I retired from professional squash on top, on my terms. I accomplished everything I set out to do. My initial decision to participate in the Commonwealth Games was made solely on the fact that they are being held in Melbourne my home town so I made myself available. I retired from pro squash because I was tired of all the training all the travel and also the pressure. Not playing the Commonwealth Games has nothing to do with a lack of motivation. Representing one’s country is one of the greatest achievements an athlete can have. When I announced my decision not to participate I had just broken my toe and at this stage in my life I see my squash going in a different direction and stand by the reasons just given. Simply put I have moved on.

ST: Different direction?

"...I want to get more involved in coaching ..." photo © Fritz Borchert

Sarah Fitz: The next phase of my life has me working on my Level II coaching certificate as I want to get more involved in coaching and give back to the sport of squash. I’ve been asked to be a commentator at the Commonwealth Games and am quite excited about that as well. I have so many fond memories from my playing days, continue to love the sport, and will still be involved through exhibitions, promotions and with coaching will remain part of the squash scene.

As for participation in future Masters tournaments. If I’m near an event, want to play, in condition, then I might. Honestly at this stage, I’ll play when and where I want as I don’t see myself tripping around the world chasing Masters Tournaments. I’m enjoying life and leave Friday for a camp at Williams College in the U.S. followed by a week in Toronto with Mike Way and then it’s off to England.

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