In squash - The Podcast

Episode 408 – Declan James: Back to His Best, the Road to LA 2028, and Representing Jamaica

After one of the toughest setbacks of his career, Declan James is back.

The former World No. 15 returned from a ruptured Achilles in late 2023, but as he explains in this episode, coming back to the PSA Tour and truly feeling like yourself again are two very different things. Following a strong 2025/26 campaign that included last-16 appearances at both the British Open and the World Championships, Declan reflects on a season that, in my view, flew under the radar.

We discuss the long road back from injury, the physical and mental challenges of rebuilding confidence, memorable victories over Mohamed Abouelghar, battles with Paul Coll and Karim Abdel Gawad, and the influence of former World Champion Nick Matthew on both his game and mindset.

We also spend plenty of time on one of the biggest stories in squash: Declan's decision to represent Jamaica as he begins his pursuit of qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. He explains how the opportunity came about, what wearing the green, black and gold would mean to him, and what the qualification pathway looks like over the next two years.

Finally, Declan shares his thoughts on where professional squash needs to go next. From branding and marketing the sport more effectively to attracting a younger audience and capitalizing on the momentum leading into the Olympic era, he offers a thoughtful perspective on how the PSA can continue to grow the game.

At only 19 years old, Amina Orfi has already achieved what most players spend an entire career chasing. The four-time World Junior Champion is now the youngest ever Women’s World Open Champion, the 2026 World Champion, and the current World No. 2 after one of the most remarkable seasons in recent memory.

Amina joins me to reflect on a season that saw her game reach an entirely new level. After a slower start to the year, she found another gear following the Tournament of Champions, consistently reaching the latter stages of events before capturing the two biggest titles in the sport. Along the way, she defeated both Hania El Hammamy and the legendary Nour El Sherbini to claim both the World Championship and the British Open.

We dive into:

What it feels like to become World Champion and whether it has truly sunk in.
Defeating the greatest player of all time on the sport’s biggest stage.
The emotions of that unforgettable World Championship final.
Her growth physically, mentally, and tactically over the past season.
The rise of Siva Subramanium
Having her father in her corner
Officiating, decision-making, and the evolving landscape of professional squash.

World Champion. World No. 2. Four-time World Junior Champion. Still only 19 years old, Amina Orfi on Ep. 407.

Six years after his first appearance on the podcast, Greg Lobban returns to discuss one of the biggest decisions of his professional career. Following his recent announcement that he intends to pursue Australian citizenship, Greg opens up about the reasoning behind the move, how it creates a more realistic pathway toward qualification for the LA 2028 Olympic Games, and where the process currently stands. We also reflect on his recent seasons on tour, discuss the next generation of players making waves in the game, and dive into the wider conversation around officiating and the future direction of professional squash. A candid and fascinating conversation with one of the sport’s top competitors.

Episode 405 is a special one as longtime friend and one of the most respected figures in Canadian squash, Eric Baldwin, finally joins the podcast.

Eric and I go way back to our junior days competing in Atlantic Canada, so this episode feels less like an interview and more like two old squash boys catching up after years apart. We dive into the golden era of junior squash in the Atlantic provinces, the incredible talent pipeline that came out of PEI and the Atlantic region, the influence of his father Doug Baldwin on the game, memories of the rivalries and personalities from back in the day, and of course some great stories surrounding Eric’s nearly three decades leading the iconic Toronto Badminton and Racquet Club.

We also talk Jonathan Power, Canadian squash history, doubles success, Dean Brown and Bow Valley, and what Eric is most proud of after a lifetime dedicated to growing the game.

A great conversation, a lot of laughs, and a proper trip down Squash Canada memory lane.

🏆 Sponsored by Squashify & Open Squash

We welcome back one of the biggest movers on the PSA Tour this season, Yahya Elnawasany. After joining us earlier in the season during our Nash Cup series, Yahya returns following a breakthrough second half of the year that has seen him climb to World No. 16 and make a sensational run to the semi-finals of the British Open.

We dive into Yahya’s incredible British Open campaign, where he battled through a brutal draw featuring top players including Dimitri Steinmann, Mohamed ElShorbagy, Karim Abdel Gawad on his way to the final four. Yahya also shares the story of having his equipment stolen during competition, battling through adversity, and the mental side of navigating tough five-game matches under pressure.

We also look back at the early part of the season, where results weren’t quite clicking, including his appearance at the Nash Cup, and explore the turning points that helped shift his momentum.

A big part of that second-half surge came through a new coaching partnership with former world-class player Wael El Hindi, and we discuss how that collaboration helped elevate his game to another level.

A fantastic conversation with one of the rising stars on tour, reflecting on resilience, growth, and what comes next as he pushes deeper into the world’s elite.

🎧 Tune in now for Episode 404 of In Squash.

Sponsored by Squashify and Open Squash — growing the game and making squash more accessible and affordable for everyone.