INTRODUCTION
Army Squash were invited to send a select Masters Team to compete at the European Masters Games 2023 (EMG23) in Tampere, Finland.
Tampere became the centre stage for international sports in 2023 when the European Masters Games was organised for the first time in Finland. The fifth EMG took place between 26 Jun and 9 Jul 23 with athletes competing for masters’ championships in 29 disciplines. EMG23 offered an opportunity for mature athletes to compete in their favourite sports, share their love for sports with like-minded people and discover new places. A true sports festival that celebrated friendship, passion, and inspiration between sports people.
PARTICIPANTS
A select team of 8 players travelled to Finland. The team consisted of 5 men and 3 women who competed in various singles categories and formed two teams to compete in the team event.
| Ser | Number | Individual | Team |
| 1 | Lt Col Lucy Lamb | Female O45 | Team B O35 (Seed 4) |
| 2 | Maj Chris O’Brien | Male O40 | Team A O35 (Seed 2) |
| 3 | Maj Elaine Radcliffe | Female O40 | Team A O35 (Seed 3) |
| 4 | Capt Michelle Higgins | Female O45 | Team B O35 (Seed 3) |
| 5 | WO2 Dale McCarter | Male O40 | Team B O35 (Seed 1) |
| 6 | WO2 Ashlee Stoby | Male O40 | Team A O35 (Seed 4) |
| 7 | SSgt Paul Ryan | Male O40 | Team B O35 (Seed 2) |
| 8 | Cpl Paul Jones | Male O40 | Team A O35 (Seed 1) |
TRAINING
The Team undertook two training opportunities before EMG23 to ensure they were fresh and ready to compete out of season. First was a day’s training and match at Berkhamsted Squash Club kindly organised by SSgt Ryan and second was a day’s training alongside the Royal Signals squad in Aldershot on the 27 Jun. Thanks must go to Paul Carter, England Squash Coach, for delivering excellent packages that developed the team whilst not breaking them.
On the 30 Jun, the day before the competition began, the team booked and familiarised themselves with the competition courts. A gentle training session was managed by WO2 McCarter, putting his ongoing England Level 3 Squash Coach skills to use.
COMPETITION
The competition itself consisted of two days of singles and one day of team competitions. The wider participant turnout for Squash was a little disappointing and whilst everyone got to play very competitive Squash, there were several matches where the Army team competed against each other. The results however were fantastic with all members of the team taking home at least one medal.
The Men’s O40’s final was fast paced but comfortably won by Cpl Paul Jones who outclassed Maj Chris O’Brien and took a relatively comfortable 3-0 win for Gold. The Women’s final was more competitive and saw clash of styles between Maj Elaine Radcliffe and her Polish ex-international opponent Dominika Witkowska. Speed and endurance and against technical control saw Dominika take the title in a fiercely competitive match. The Team event saw the Army dominate with strength in depth and take home both Gold and Silver.
RESULTS
Men’s O40s results:
Gold Cpl Paul Jones 
Silver Maj Chris O’Brien
Bronze SSgt Paul Ryan
Women’s O40s results: Women’s O45s results:
Silver Maj Elaine Radcliffe Silver Capt Michelle Higgins
Bronze Capt Michelle Higgins Bronze Lt Col Lucy Lamb
Team
Gold Army A Team
Cpl Paul Jones
Maj Chris O’Brien
Maj Elaine Radcliffe
WO2 Ash Stoby
Silver Army B Team
WO2 Dale McCarter
SSgt Paul Ryan
Capt Michelle Higgins
Lt Col Lucy Lamb
CULTURAL
The timings of the competition allowed the team both the opportunity to watch and support other sporting competitions, but also so see a little bit of Tampere. A beautiful city with much to offer from food and drink to beautiful countryside. A little bit of all was enjoyed by all.
Morning run lakeside. 2330 hrs; it doesn’t get dark at night in the Summer.
Trying out open water swimming When it rains, you know about it
SUMMARY
Overall, an extremely successful OSV. Competitive Squash, met new people, travelled to a new country, experienced the culture and brought home lots of medals. A fantastic time was had be all and I would highly recommend participation for Squash at future Masters Games.
C M O’Brien
Maj
Masters Team Captain
Army Squash