Andrew Binner

3 weeks ago | olympics.com | Andrew Binner

U.S. squash star Olivia Weaver prioritises character over results. Given the nature of professional sport, it’s not always easy. But this process-oriented mindset, maintained by a close-knit support system that keeps her grounded, has seen Weaver rise to World No. 4. "My parents always emphasised the importance of how I carry myself on and off the court and how I treat people," she told Olympics.com. "It’s helped maintain my love of the sport."“Focusing on winning alone can be a very slippery slope.

1 month ago | olympics.com | Andrew Binner

Amina Orfi has an alternative theory to explain Egypt's dominance in squash. While many point to the North African nation’s elite coaching and player pathway programmes as their key differentiator, the World No. 5 believes their parents may be a more decisive factor. “The Egyptian parents are so focused on their kids’ training and get involved in every part. It’s not just the coaches or the federation,” she told Olympics.com. “Our parents really enjoy the sport.

1 month ago | olympics.com | Andrew Binner

Freestyle skiing means freedom to Flora Tabanelli. It’s where the self-confessed ‘closed’ Italian teenager can unleash creativity and express her true personality. Once her boots go on, any other issues temporarily drift away. “When I ski I can be free, and that means that I can forget about everything else,” Tabanelli told Olympics.com. “Whether it’s a problem or any other thoughts in my mind, I forget about everything and just have fun and do what I love.

1 month ago | olympics.com | Andrew Binner

Egyptian squash star Ali Farag’s favourite book choice tells its own story. It’s “The Art of Learning” by Josh Waitzkin, which documents the author’s rise to the top of the chess world before he switched vocations to become a world champion in the martial art of tai chi. However, it’s not a mutual sporting prowess that most interests four-time world champion Farag about the book, but rather the idea that hard work can take an individual to the top of any pursuit.

1 month ago | olympics.com | Andrew Binner

Swimming star Joshua Liendo is quickly becoming a national sporting treasure in Canada. After competing in the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games, he made his full Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020 just before his 19th birthday, competing in three individual events and a relay. Later that year, he became the first Black Canadian swimmer to win a title at a major international championship as part of the national record-breaking 4x40m freestyle relay team at the 2021 Short Course World Championships.