The Golden Age of Australian Women's Squash

The extraordinary story of how Australia became the most successful nation in world women's squash from 1962-2010

by Barbara Slotemaker de Bruïne, AM

The game of squash evolved from the school playgrounds in Harrow, in the UK in the mid-19th Century, to all-glass transportable courts in exotic locations. It is now played by over 20 million people in 200 countries.  

Australian women squash players dominated the world squash scene from 1962 - 2010. Heather McKay led the way with an amazing run of 16 British Open Championships (1962–1977) and two World Championships (1976 and 1979). Other women champions and teams soon followed with Australia being the most successful nation during this period. Today, however, Australia is lagging with no players (male or female) in the world's top 50.

This book tells the stories of the extraordinary women champions and teams that emerged from 1962 until 2010—The Golden Age.  How did this Golden Age begin and continue for decades? What are the reasons for its decline? Now that squash has been included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics the future of the game has never been brighter internationally.  Australia must embrace this opportunity to regain its competitive position.

The Golden Age of Australian Women’s Squash recounts their stories and results, hopefully to inspire the next generation to ‘take over the reins’ and succeed on the world stage.  The author was fortunate to begin her career at the same time as the legendary Heather McKay, AO, and has interviewed key players from many decades to answer these questions. Heather's story and many others are a must-read for the younger generation who aspire to succeed on the world stage.  It will also be of interest to former players, at all levels, and those in the community who are interested in Australian sporting history.