Elaine Boxhall embracing once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

For more than four decades, squash has been a constant in Elaine Boxhall's life, providing fitness, friendship and a community that has kept her coming back year after year.

Boxhall first picked up a racquet in 1979 after her partner encouraged her to join a local pennant competition. Now based in Hobart and playing out of Eastside Squash Centre, she says the friendships and community built through the sport have kept her playing ever since.

"The game is very social and suited my very busy schedule at the time, so I have continued playing throughout the years," Boxhall said.

"The people and friendship keep me coming back.

"There is an opportunity for players at all levels to participate, which is great for me as I am by no means a top-level sportsperson."

Having competed at more than 15 Australian Masters Championships across the country, Boxhall says the annual tournaments have become about much more than the competition. 

"It is lovely to meet up with players on an annual basis and share a mutual passion for the sport," she said.

"We host the National Tournament in Hobart every eight years and it is always fun to join in with the organisation and welcoming players from other states.

"The team's event in the second week of the tournament is especially rewarding because you get to know other players and form friendships that continue long after the tournament finishes."

After years competing on the Australian Masters circuit, Boxhall is excited to make her World Squash Masters Championships debut in Perth from 30 August to 6 September, describing the opportunity to represent Australia as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"I am very grateful for the opportunity that Australia hosting this year has given me to participate," she said.

"Not many people can say they have represented Australia in the sport of their choice.

"I may be making up the numbers with no chance of taking home the prize, but the once-in-a-lifetime experience will stay with me forever."

Travelling nearly 3,000 kilometres from Hobart to Perth, Boxhall is making the most of the journey by combining the tournament with the chance to explore Western Australia.

Beyond the matches themselves, she is most looking forward to meeting fellow competitors from around the globe and celebrating the shared passion that brings the Masters community together.

"The camaraderie of people from all over the world, of similar age, sharing a passion for an activity that enriches all of our lives will be amazing," she said.

"I am sure the days and nights of the tournament will be filled with laughter and storytelling that can only be shared when you gather strangers from so many nations together and turn them into friends."

The 2026 World Squash Masters Championships will bring together hundreds of players from around the world in Perth from 30 August to 6 September.

The event is free for spectators, giving squash fans the opportunity to watch some of the world's best Masters athletes in action and support players of all ages and backgrounds.