By Ben Baker

FOR someone who has sat atop the world junior rankings, the news squash is now a step closer to being an Olympic sport was music to the ears of Bexley’s Richie Fallows.

The 17-year-old has enjoyed himself ever since winning the English junior U17 championship crown in March 2012, going on to claim four more titles at U19 level in less than a year.

Fallows has been further punching above his age range by reaching the quarter-finals of the British U23 national championships in April, all of which saw him head May’s world junior rankings.

The future appears bright for Fallows and it got even more positive late last month with the news squash is now up against just wrestling and baseball/softball for inclusion in the 2020 Olympics.

A final decision will be made on which one of the three is successful in September but for now Fallows insists it is just the boost he needed to continue what is shaping up to be a memorable year.

“Things have been going really well for me lately and I have been doing well in some youth tournaments while also trying to make my mark in the professional game,” said Fallows.

“It is a step up to what I have done before but as my first year goes it has been going pretty well and I can’t complain really.

“I can take a lot of confidence away from being at the top of the world junior rankings too because it tells me I deserve to be where I am.

“And things got even better with the news that squash could be in the Olympics because this is the pinnacle of any sport and to think I could follow in the footsteps of others is great.

“By the time 2020 comes along I will be at the right age to be in with a shout and it definitely gives me something to think about moving forward.

“I actually went to watch a few things at London 2012 and the atmosphere was fantastic so to think I could do the same is brilliant.”

Before Fallows, who plays at Bexley Lawn Tennis, Squash and Racketball Club, can even dream of making his Olympic bow he has plenty to keep him occupied in his immediate future.

Fast approaching on his calendar is July’s world junior championships and Fallows is determined to live up to the pressure of being number one.

“I will be representing England in Poland at the world championships and hopefully I can get a good result there,” he added.

“There is a bit of extra pressure because I know people will expect something from me but it is good to have pressure and hopefully I can thrive under it.”

Lloyds TSB Local Heroes, in partnership with SportsAid, has supported 1,000 of Britain’s most talented developing athletes.

As part of Lloyds TSB’s commitment to helping future sports stars prosper, the programme will continue in 2013.

Follow future stars at facebook.com/lloydstsblocalheroes

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