JOA lauds Binnie

Premier Caribbean men’s squash player Chris Binnie has earned high marks from the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) for his professionalism and humility, among other things, as sports’ governing body here highlighted his ascent in the racquet sport’s global standings.

Binnie, the record holder of nine Caribbean singles championship titles, improved his World Squash Federation rankings in singles to 76th in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic halted play on the Professional Squash Association circuit. Binnie is also ranked 36th in doubles globally and 13th in the Americas region.

Commenting on his rise, Ryan Foster, CEO/Secretary General of sports’ apex sporting body, said: “The JOA is extremely proud of the recent rise in the world rankings of Chris Binnie. His hard work is a testament to dedication and perseverance, and we want to also congratulate the Jamaica Squash Association for their diligence in ensuring the success of their constituent member.

“Chris is the epitomè of a true professional, one of integrity, fair play and humility, all characters which represent Olympism. These traits led us to elect Chris to be the flagbearer for the recently held Panam Games in 2019. We will continue to strengthen our partnership with squash and all our member associations, while we continue to lead the movement within our country,” added Foster.

The 31-year-old Jamaican’s improvement represented a major comeback, as Binnie played his way to a career-high world ranking of 65 in 2018, but fell to 88th in 2019, when he was beset by injuries.

Reflecting on the turnaround, Binnie said: “I was excited to start moving back up the rankings again. It (2019) was obviously a difficult year … I was plagued with injuries, so my ranking definitely fell a bit. But last fall and early this spring before the coronavirus set in, I was doing really well. I had won a couple events and I was moving back up the rankings, so I was very excited and looking forward to once the tour does start back, to get back out there and continue to do that.”

SUCCESSES

Prior to the shutdown, Binnie was successful in winning the Life Time Atlanta Open in Sandy Springs in February, and the Pittsburgh Challenger series in January. In December, also, he was a member of the Jamaica team that placed 18th at the World Team Squash Championships in December and at the Panam Games in Lima, Peru, in 2019, he partnered with Lewis Walters to make the quarter-finals.

Asked about the impact of the pandemic, Binnie said: “Yes, COVID is a big setback, but it’s a big setback for everybody, so I’ll try to use this time positively to help in other areas that I wouldn’t normally have time for, and then I can build on that and help with my success once I’m back in competition mode.”

As he competes largely on the international PSA circuit, due to associated costs, Binnie was asked to comment on support provided by the JOA.

“The support from the JOA, obviously, I’m incredibly grateful for it. Without them it’d be very difficult to do what I do. I’m just very thankful that they’ve been on board and they’ve been helping me over the years getting ready in these smaller competitions – Panam, CAC and Caribbeans, where I’ve been meddling, and also on the Pro Tour, where they’ve continued to help with my development,” said Binnie.

“I can’t thank them enough, it’s (their support) been invaluable and I hope that they can continue to do that. They’re definitely branching out their support in many different sports now, that’s fantastic to see. I’m happy that they’re continuing to stick with me, even in the ups and the downs. Last year was a tough year and now I’m back on track so, hopefully, things will continue to go well,” added Binnie.

Under the leadership of Christopher Samuda, its [resident, the JOA has ramped up its earning capacity in recent years, enabling their ability in contributing to its body of local sporting affiliates.