The 2024 WSF World Masters has ended, and five Canadians have walked away with medals! The WSF World Masters brings together hundreds of players between the ages of 35 and 80 every two years to compete on the world stage. Held at the Frans Otten Stadion in in Amsterdam, Netherlands from August 15 to 22, the World Masters event saw over 1100 entries from around the world, including 44 Canadian athletes represented from coast-to-coast.
This year was a big year for firsts, as for the first time in World Masters history a Canadian has won in the Men’s 80+ category – with a Canadian silver-medalist, too! Old friends Howard Armitage of Ontario and Gerald Poulton of British Columbia, seeded first and second respectively, played for gold and silver with Poulton coming out on top. Poulton’s win marks the second Men’s Champion title for a Canadian in event history. “It’s a wonderful friendship,” said Poulton. “I must have been to upwards of 20 World Masters and World Masters Games, etc., and I love meeting new people and seeing the same people again. It’s what squash is all about.”
The Canadian dominated in the Women’s 55+ through 65+ categories, with Lauren Wagner, Julie Multamaki, and Kathryn Cowper earning 3 medals in their respective categories. Wagner’s gold medal win gives her a second World Masters Women’s Champion title (2018), and Canada’s eighth overall Women’s Champion title historically.
Squash Canada and Squash Ontario would like to extend its congratulations to all of the participants of the 2024 WSF World Masters, and highlight the Top 10 finishes of Canadian athletes below:
Results
Lauren Wagner (BC) - Gold, Women’s 55+
Gerald Poulton (BC) - Gold, Men’s 80+
Howard Armitage (ON) - Silver, Men’s 80+
Willie Hosey (ON) - Silver, Men's 60+
Julie Multamaki (AB) - Bronze, Women’s 60+
Kathryn Cowper (ON) - Bronze, Women’s 65+
Kelsey Souchereau (AB) - 5th, Women’s 55+
Andrew Lynn (BC) - 6th, Men’s 55+
Ted Gornall (BC) - 9th, Men’s 75+
Steve Wren (QC) - 10th, Men’s 55+
Rashid Aziz (BC) - 10th, Men’s 70+
Congratulations to all the incredible athletes who represented Ontario at this event. It was inspiring to see so many Canadians compete on the global stage, showcasing the talent and passion that defines our squash community. We’re proud of everyone who participated and look forward to seeing what they achieve next!
For full results, please click here. For more event details, please click here. View the tournament gallery here.