(updated 12-mar-09 21:59 )  

Sports Illustrated gives Squash's efforts for 2016 a good review ...

In a piece appearing in Sports Illustrated on March 2nd, 2009, penned by Brian Czeneuve, Squash is given a reasonable chance of making the 2016 Olympics. The following is the item in Sports Illustrated, reproduced in its entirety:

WOMEN'S SKI JUMPING isn't the only event hoping to be added to the Olympic program. Last week seven summer sports officially petitioned the IOC for inclusion in the 2016 Games. The final vote will be in October. Here's how they stack up:

SOFTBALL: Dumped from the Games after 2008 in part because of a perceived lack of competition. Is It Worthy? Yes. Japan's upset of the U.S. in Beijing showed there's more than one world power. Odds: 2--1.

SQUASH: The racket sport nearly made it onto the London schedule in a 2005 IOC vote. Is It Worthy? Yes. Played in 175 countries—and contested at the All-Africa Games and the Asian Games—it's one of the world's most popular sports. Odds: 4--1.

BASEBALL: Also dropped after Beijing, in part because of an absence of big names. But the International Baseball Federation submitted a plan that would allow big leaguers to participate in a five-day tournament. Is It Worthy? With the World Baseball Classic up and running, is it really necessary? Odds: 6--1.

KARATE: Would include five weight classes each for men and women. Is It Worthy? With boxing, judo, taekwondo and wrestling on the program, it's combat-sport overkill. Odds: 7--1.

RUGBY SEVENS: The miniversion of the 15-man sport is quite popular, especially in Commonwealth nations. Is It Worthy? It was nixed for the London Games, which would have been a far more natural fit. Odds: 9--1.

GOLF: Tiger Woods, who will be 40 in 2016, is pushing for it, but venue costs can be prohibitive. Is It Worthy? If there's one thing the Games need, it's not middle-aged men in slacks. Odds: 12--1.

ROLLER SPORTS: Only races—not hockey or artistic events—are up for consideration. Is It Worthy? Roller derby: maybe. Roller racing: not as exciting. Odds: 15--1.

 

 

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