Jessica van der Walt

Jessica van der Walt

Australia

Squash

Introduction

I’m a professional squash player, currently ranked 70th in the world and proudly holding the title of Australian champion. I am just under 30 years old and have over ten years' experience as an athlete in the high-performance space. I have been on the squash world tour since 2013 and have seen many positive changes across the sport. I am striving to be a part of future positive change and look forward to using my voice to represent all athletes. I’m a passionate advocate for women’s health and autonomy, and I’m dedicated to bringing about positive change in these areas. Following the pandemic, I had the honour of serving as a mental health ambassador for the Black Dog Institute, which was an incredibly rewarding experience that was both humbling and educational. When I’m not on the court, I love spending time with animals, being outdoors, and indulging in delicious food. At my core, I’m just a big nerd who turned my love for sport into a full-time career.

Education

Bachelor Degree- Criminology and Criminal Justice - Graduated in 2020 - Griffith University (Australia)

Professional activities

  • Assistant manager - Sandgate Squash Centre - 10 years 2011 - 2021 
  • Customer Service Officer - Queensland Coroners Court - April - June 2018 
  • Customer Service Consultant - Rizon Building - 2021 - 2024

Sports admin functions

Chair of the Squash Australia athlete advisory commission as of 2024.

Awards

Squash Australia female athlete of the year 2023 and 2024

The World Games

Top 16 in Squash at The World Games 2022

World Championships

Top 64 in Singles and 11th Place in Teams at the 2024 Squash World Championships

World Cup

5th Place in Team Squash at the 2023 World Cup

Olympic Games

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To the athletes, I want to represent you on the IWGA Athletes Committee because I want to speak up. Events like the The World Games are incredibly meaningful for athletes in many ways. I want to ensure all concerns are addressed and that competition environments help athletes perform their best. I’ve competed in two The World Games, each better than the last. I want to help continue this positive trajectory for future events.

Q1 Why are you running as a candidate for the IWGA AC?

I am running as a candidate because I have had some issues with how some things at past The World Games events have gone—things that a simple conversation with athletes could have avoided.

Q2 What experience do you have that you would bring to the IWGA AC?

As an experienced administrator, I have the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of people. I also have a non-threatening communication style and can easily diffuse heated situations.

Q3 Why should your fellow athletes vote for you?

They should vote for me because I have no issues standing up for what I believe is right.

Q4 What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an athlete?

Having a bad relationship with my NSO—I went through a significant period where I refused to work with my NSO because of their poor policies and procedures.

Q5 How did you become involved in sport?

My entire family are sports fans, and my siblings played squash before me. I just wanted to be a part of it.

Q6 How has sport had an impact on your life?

Sport has had a huge positive impact on my life. It made me more resilient, considerate, and driven, and helped me build the most meaningful relationships I have.

Q7 What would be your top three priorities if you were elected?

Make sure that the facilities for the Games are appropriate for the pre-event lead-in. Ensure the concerns athletes have about safety are addressed. Provide more appropriate nutrition options.

Q8 Describe your personality in three words:

Transparent, humorous, cautious

Q9 What are you passionate about?

Women's equity, women's bodily autonomy and positive body image, and an athlete's mental health and how professional sport has an impact.

Q10 Why is the athletes’ voice important to you?

The athletes’ voice provides an invaluable perspective for any major multi-sport event. Without the athletes, there would be no event.