Story highlights Squash is one of the sports bidding to be part of the 2020 Olympic Games

Nicol David is a six-time world champion hope to compete for a gold medal at the Games

Verocom are heading the campaign, having help Rio win the 2016 Games

A decision on which sport will enter in 2020 will be made in Buenos Aires next year

Winning a gold medal is the pinnacle of any Olympic athlete's career, and most have to be happy for the chance to participate on sport's biggest stage.

For Nicol David, however, time is running out. The Malaysian is the top-ranked women's squash player and a six-time world champion, but she has never competed at the Games. So, at the age of 28, she is trying to rectify the situation before it's too late.

Squash has never been an Olympic sport, and it failed in its bid to be one of the 36 included at London 2012 -- and in Rio in four years' time, when its application was rejected while golf and rugby succeeded.

However, David is fronting a campaign which aims to secure squash a place in the 2020 program and thus achieve her lifelong ambition.

"After the world championships last year I was asked how much I wanted to be part of the Games," she told CNN.

"I said I would trade all six of my world titles for just one Olympic gold medal. Every world title means the world to me, so that's how important the Olympics is in my heart."

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But, due to the way the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decides which sports enter the Games, the dreams of an athlete in another discipline must be shattered for David's to come true.

In order to maintain the Olympics' prestige, and ensure it is still feasible for one city to host all of the events, the IOC will only introduce a new sport if an existing one is removed from the program.

"You have a long list of sports trying to get onto the program because it is their one way to showcase their sport to the world," explains former IOC marketing director Michael Payne.

"The IOC undertakes a very detailed technical analysis to understand the popularity of the sport, the number of players, infrastructure, TV, media and then finally takes a vote to decide which new sport is welcomed onto the program."

There is one man who knows more than most what it takes to convince the IOC of a sport's Olympic worth.

Mike Lee is the chairman of Verocom, an organization which has successfully overseen campaigns to bring the Games to Rio in 2016, the Winter Olympics to Pyongchang in 2018 and the FIFA World Cup to Qatar in 2022.

Lee and his team also navigated a course which gained rugby sevens acceptance into the 2016 Games. It makes perfect sense, then, for Verocom to spearhead squash's Olympic bid.

"You have to look in considerable detail at, not just the sport itself, what it might offer to the Olympic Games, what it brings to the Olympic program," said Lee, former director of communications and public affairs for London 2012's successful bid.

"What do you offer to the Olympic experience? What is it your sport will do to enhance the Games, in a way which is also in line with the spirit and the values of the Games?"

In a manner of speaking, squash has been sexed up in a bid to make itself more attractive to the IOC, making vibrant changes to the courts and apparatus.

"The sport has worked very hard to innovate, to make it much more fan and broadcast friendly, from all-glass courts to the camera positions, to the use of a video review system and a white ball," he said.

Photos: An alternative view of the Olympic Park Photos: An alternative view of the Olympic Park An alternative view of the Olympic Park – During the day, the Olympic Park in London is heaving with people going to and from events and seeing the sights. But at night, it's a different story. One day towards the end of the Olympics fortnight, CNN's Linnie Rawlinson stayed to see what happens once spectators are all inside the venues, watching their evening games. Hide Caption 1 of 15 Photos: An alternative view of the Olympic Park An alternative view of the Olympic Park – Though night was falling, and a little rain was too, the live broadcast in the Olympic Park continued ... Hide Caption 2 of 15 Photos: An alternative view of the Olympic Park An alternative view of the Olympic Park – ... watched by many hardy Olympics fans who'd purchased park tickets or stayed on after watching the day's events. Hide Caption 3 of 15 Photos: An alternative view of the Olympic Park An alternative view of the Olympic Park – In the absence of large crowds, mounted police officers had time to chat to spectators - who took the opportunity to admire their horses, too. Hide Caption 4 of 15 Photos: An alternative view of the Olympic Park An alternative view of the Olympic Park – The picnic area outside the Copper Box, crowded earlier in the day, was almost deserted at dusk. Artist Monica Bonvicini's permanent sculpture, "Run," shone brightly in front of it. The venue will become a multi-purpose venue for community and sporting events. Hide Caption 5 of 15 Photos: An alternative view of the Olympic Park An alternative view of the Olympic Park – Even the Coca Cola beat box -- an interactive installation featuring music by Mark Ronson -- was quiet. Hide Caption 6 of 15 Photos: An alternative view of the Olympic Park An alternative view of the Olympic Park – The stadium and the Orbit stood out against the cloudy East London sky and reflected in the River Lea, which flows through the park. The stadium was hosting athletics that night. Hide Caption 7 of 15 Photos: An alternative view of the Olympic Park An alternative view of the Olympic Park – I could hear the crowd roaring from inside the stadium, but the ticket gate was as far as I could go. After the Games, the stadium will hold sports, community and entertainment events, with a focus on athletics. Hide Caption 8 of 15 Photos: An alternative view of the Olympic Park An alternative view of the Olympic Park – The Aquatic Centre shone neon yellow beyond wildflower planting on the banks of the River Lea. The venue's curved center, designed by architect Zaha Hadid, will remain after the Games. The sweeping wings either side are temporary stands that will be dismantled at the end of the Games. Hide Caption 9 of 15 Photos: An alternative view of the Olympic Park Olympic park Orbit tower – Anish Kapoor's "Orbit Tower," a permanent artwork and the tallest art structure in Britain, attracted many of my fellow stragglers, its vivid red form illuminated brightly against the sky. Hide Caption 10 of 15 Photos: An alternative view of the Olympic Park An alternative view of the Olympic Park – The Aquatic Centre with the Water Polo Arena in the background. From this angle, the Arena almost looked like a blue whale rising up from the Lea. The lights in its roof pulsed from blue to green to purple. Hide Caption 11 of 15 Photos: An alternative view of the Olympic Park An alternative view of the Olympic Park – The Water Polo Arena, seen beyond the River Lea, is the first dedicated water polo venue to be built for an Olympic Games. Its components will be reused or recycled after the Games. Hide Caption 12 of 15 Photos: An alternative view of the Olympic Park An alternative view of the Olympic Park – Two Eton Manor volunteers took a moment for a quiet conversation in front of the "bit.fall" installation by artist Julius Popp. Words taken from live news headlines are projected at random onto five man-made waterfalls under the Stratford Gate bridge. Hide Caption 13 of 15 Photos: An alternative view of the Olympic Park An alternative view of the Olympic Park – Once the evening's athletics had finished, crowds poured from the Olympic Stadium. Dancers guided the crowds towards the exits and wished them a safe journey home. Hide Caption 14 of 15 Photos: An alternative view of the Olympic Park An alternative view of the Olympic Park – It was time for me to head home too. I bade the Olympic Park farewell, knowing it'd be the last time I'd see the five Olympic rings emblazoned against the East London sky. Hide Caption 15 of 15

Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Fireworks light up the Olympic stadium during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics on Sunday, August 12. Check out photos from the opening ceremony. Hide Caption 1 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Athletes from Great Britain parade during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 2 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – From left, London Mayor Boris Johnson, International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge and Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes enter the stadium. Hide Caption 3 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – A French athlete carries her nation's flag as the French team parades through the stadium. Hide Caption 4 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – British actor Timothy Spall portrays Winston Churchill during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 5 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Actors perform during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 6 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – An actor waves a Union Jack from atop a mockup of the Big Ben tower. Hide Caption 7 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Artists perform at the Olympic stadium during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 8 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Artists wave Union Jack flags as they perform during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 9 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – The ceremony featured replicas of several London landmarks, including Tower Bridge and the giant Ferris wheel known as London Eye. Hide Caption 10 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Another view of the performance by the British percussion group Stomp. Hide Caption 11 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Members of the British percussion group Stomp pound trash cans during their performance. Hide Caption 12 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – A rendition of London's Big Ben makes an appearance in the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 13 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – British cellist Julian Lloyd Webber performs. Hide Caption 14 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Acrobats perform during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 15 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Artists perform during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 16 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Artists perform at the Olympic stadium. Hide Caption 17 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Actors dressed as Batman and Robin perform a segment from an episode of the British television comedy, "Only Fools and Horses." Hide Caption 18 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Actors perform in the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 19 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – The Household Division Ceremonial State Band perform the song "Parklife," originally done by the British rock band Blur. Hide Caption 20 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Scottish singer-songwriter Emeli Sande performs "Read All About It" during the closing ceremony at Olympic stadium. Hide Caption 21 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – A general view of the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 22 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – The British pop group One Direction performs "What Makes You Beautiful." Hide Caption 23 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Madness perform their 1982 hit "Our House" during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 24 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Annie Lennox performs. Hide Caption 25 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Annie Lennox performs during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 26 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Brian May of Queen performs during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 27 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Artists form a sculpture representing the face of John Lennon during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 28 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – A general view shows the Olympic stadium during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 29 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Spain's sailor Marina Alabau Neira shows her gold medal during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 30 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – The Pet Shop Boys perform their evocative song about London, "West End Girls." The duo originally released the song in 1985. Hide Caption 31 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – British group Madness, led by lead singer Graham McPherson, perform their 1982 hit, "Our House." Hide Caption 32 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Madness saxophonist Lee Thompson is lifted into the air while playing "Our House," a reprise of what he did in the video for the song. Hide Caption 33 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Chas Smash and lead singer Graham Suggs McPherson of Madness perform. Hide Caption 34 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – British artist George Michael performs at the Olympic stadium. Hide Caption 35 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Global artist George Michael performs. Hide Caption 36 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Athletes fill the Olympic stadium. Hide Caption 37 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – British singer George Michael performs. Hide Caption 38 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Russell Brand performs during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 39 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Entertainer Russell Brand performs during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 40 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – British comedian Russell Brand, center, performs at the Olympic stadium. Hide Caption 41 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – The athletes of the competing nations enter the stadium. Hide Caption 42 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – British comedian Russell Brand performs. Hide Caption 43 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – British DJ and producer Fat Boy Slim performs. Hide Caption 44 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Brazilian artists perform during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 45 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Artists perform at the Olympic stadium during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 46 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Dancers take part inside the Olympic stadium. Hide Caption 47 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Fat Boy Slim, aka Norman Cook, during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 48 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – General view taken during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 49 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – British singer Jesse J inside the Olympic stadium. Hide Caption 50 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Jessie J performs during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 51 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Brazilian artists perform during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 52 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Taio Cruz performs during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 53 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – A general view shows the Olympic stadium during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 54 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – British rap singer Tinie Tempah performs at the Olympic stadium. Hide Caption 55 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Fireworks explode over the stadium. Hide Caption 56 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Brian May of Queen performs alongside Jessie J. Hide Caption 57 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Fireworks explode over the stadium. Hide Caption 58 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Matthew Bellamy of Muse performs during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 59 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – A performer stands on top of a giant cannon. Hide Caption 60 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Artists perform during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 61 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – British comedian Eric Idle performs. Hide Caption 62 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Artists perform during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 63 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Eric Idle performs during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 64 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Artists perform during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 65 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Dutch athletes parade during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 66 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Chachi Valencia, alias The Rocket Man, is propelled in the air at the Olympic stadium. Hide Caption 67 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – From left, Geri Haliwell, Emma Bunton, Melanie Chisholm, Victoria Beckham and Melanie Brown of the Spice Girls reunite for the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 68 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Victoria Beckham of the Spice Girls performs. Hide Caption 69 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Victoria Beckham, Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton, Melanie Brown and Melanie Chisholm of The Spice Girls perform. Hide Caption 70 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – The Spice Girls perform at the Olympic stadium. Hide Caption 71 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – A high-wire artist performs during a rendition of Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here." Hide Caption 72 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Roger Daltrey of The Who performs during the finale of the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 73 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Girls perform at the Olympic stadium during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 74 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – From left, Spice Girls Victoria Beckham, Gerie Halliwell, Emma Bunton, Melanie Chisholm and Melanie Brown perform during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 75 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Actors ride scooters during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 76 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Fireworks explode over the stadium during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 77 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Ballerina Darcey Bussell performs with the Royal Ballet. Hide Caption 78 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Artists perform during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 79 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Ballet dancer Darcey Bussell descends into the stadium on a phoenix. Hide Caption 80 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Athlete Mark Lewis-Francis of Great Britain films teammates. Hide Caption 81 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – From left, British models Stella Tennant, Lily Cole, Karen Elson, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Jourdan Dunn and David Gandy perform at the Olympic stadium. Hide Caption 82 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Model Kate Moss performs during the British fashion portion of the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 83 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Artists perform during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 84 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – British model Naomi Campbell, left, performs during the fashion segment of the ceremony. Hide Caption 85 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Performers dance during the presentation by Rio de Janeiro, the next host city. Hide Caption 86 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Fireworks light up the Olympic stadium during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 87 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Artists perform during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 88 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – An athlete waves a German flag during the athletes' parade at the Olympic stadium. Hide Caption 89 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Brazilian artists perform. Hide Caption 90 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Singer Marisa Monte performs as Rio de Janeiro, the next host city, makes its presentation. Hide Caption 91 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Artists perform at the Olympic stadium. Hide Caption 92 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – The road to Rio is celebrated during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 93 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – A general view of the stadium. Hide Caption 94 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Artists perform at the Olympic stadium. Hide Caption 95 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – A view looking down into London's Olympic stadium shows a rendition of the Union Jack on the stadium floor as the closing ceremony gets under way. Hide Caption 96 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – A Mexican athlete wearing a wrestler's mask parades during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 97 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Artists perform at the Olympic stadium. Hide Caption 98 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Athletes wave Irish flags at the Olympic stadium. Hide Caption 99 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – An athlete from Germany parades through the stadium during the closing ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games. Hide Caption 100 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Flagbearers carry the flags of the 204 countries that participated in the Olympics. Hide Caption 101 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – The Olympic cauldron burns during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 102 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Flagbearers parade during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 103 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Athletes gather in the center of the stadium to form a giant, living rendition of the British Union Jack. Hide Caption 104 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – A female athlete from Germany rides on the shoulders of a male teammate during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 105 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Artists perform during the closing ceremony. Hide Caption 106 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Athletes from the 30th Olympics enter Olympic stadium in London. Hide Caption 107 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Athletes form a living Union Jack on the floor of Olympic stadium. Hide Caption 108 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – Spectators applaud the ceremony from high above the floor. Hide Caption 109 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – A general view shows the vastness of the stadium. Hide Caption 110 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – The sun sets over the Olympic Stadium few minutes before the start of the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games. Hide Caption 111 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – The Olympic Cauldron burns at the center of the stadium. Hide Caption 112 of 113 Photos: Photos: Olympics closing ceremony Olympic Closing Ceremony – The Olympic Cauldron burns during the closing ceremony. Look back at photos from the opening ceremony. Hide Caption 113 of 113

Photos: London 2012: Top-10 sporting moments Photos: London 2012: Top-10 sporting moments Lightning Bolt strikes thrice – Everyone came to see Usain Bolt, and he did not disappoint. The 25-year-old Jamaican won three gold medals at the London Olympics; two individually (100m and 200m) and one in a team event (pictured above -- the men's 4 x 100m relay). Hide Caption 1 of 10 Photos: London 2012: Top-10 sporting moments Cycling supremacy for Team GB – Chris Hoy became Britain's most successful Olympian with six career golds as Team GB dominated the cycling events, winning nine medals in total. Hide Caption 2 of 10 Photos: London 2012: Top-10 sporting moments The poster boy of the pool – Michael Phelps, the "Baltimore Bullet," secured his place as the most successful Olympian of all time by winning his 18th career gold and his 22nd medal overall. Hide Caption 3 of 10 Photos: London 2012: Top-10 sporting moments 'The Flying Dutchman' – Few may have known his name prior to London 2012, but Dutch gymnast Epke Zonderland showed off his gravity-defying skills during the men's horizontal bar section of the artistic gymnastics event. Hide Caption 4 of 10 Photos: London 2012: Top-10 sporting moments Rudisha rocks the record books – David Lekuta Rudisha of Kenya celebrates after winning gold and setting a new world record in the men's 800m final on Day 13 of the Games. Hide Caption 5 of 10 Photos: London 2012: Top-10 sporting moments Relay team record-breakers – Carmelita Jeter, Bianca Knight, Allyson Felix and Tianna Madison of the United States celebrate next to the clock after winning gold and setting a new world record of 40.82 seconds in the women's 4x100m relay final. Hide Caption 6 of 10 Photos: London 2012: Top-10 sporting moments Britain's tennis triumph – Great Britain's Andy Murray celebrates after winning the men's singles gold medal match, defeating Switzerland's Roger Federer in the London Olympics. It came 27 days after Murray lost to Federer in the Wimbledon final. Hide Caption 7 of 10 Photos: London 2012: Top-10 sporting moments The swimmer who stunned the world – Aged just 16, Ye Shiwen of China stunned spectators with her record-breaking speeds, winning two gold medals. Hide Caption 8 of 10 Photos: London 2012: Top-10 sporting moments Uganda's long wait ends – Uganda won its second Olympic gold medal when Stephen Kiprotich won the men's marathon on the final day -- coming 40 years after the first earned by John Akii-Bua in the 400-meter hurdles. Hide Caption 9 of 10 Photos: London 2012: Top-10 sporting moments Britain's best boxing bouts ever – British boxer Anthony Joshua, won gold for his nation in the final of the super-heavyweight division by beating Italy's Roberto Cammarelle. It rounded out the best performance Britain had seen in boxing since 1920. Hide Caption 10 of 10

"They're now experimenting with glass floors. This is a sport that has moved itself considerably over the last few years. It has been on the basis of making itself more friendly to the spectators at the event or the viewers on television."

A wide variety of sports are covered within the Games, from BMX to equestrian, catering to tastes and interests from all over the world. If squash is to enter the "greatest show on Earth," it will have to fend off fierce competition.

"Softball and baseball, which came out of the Games for London, karate, roller sports, sports climbing, wakeboarding, wushu (a martial art) and the sport which comes out of the Games," replied World Squash CEO Andrew Shelley when asked about its rivals.

"We've bid twice before. Whilst we weren't perhaps ready, we had a lot of very good advice from the IOC and we've learned a lot from them.

"This time the process is very clear. There is one place available due to the taking out of a sport by the IOC after the Games in London.

"Our sport is scrutinized and evaluated alongside all the other candidates. If we're fortunate, we come out on top at the meeting in Buenos Aires in 2013."

Squash will hope to follow in the footsteps of rugby sevens and golf, which have been added to the program for the Games' South American debut in Rio.

"Rugby sevens was looked at as a very professional campaign," Lee said. "One of the keys was how a tournament over two or three days would enhance the Olympic Games.

Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – The U.S. men's basketball team celebrates winning the gold medal after defeating Spain on the final day of the London 2012 Olympics on Sunday, August 12. Hide Caption 1 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – With hands over their hearts, the U.S. team listens as "The Star Spangled Banner" is played after the team was awarded their gold medals. Hide Caption 2 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Kevin Durant, center, is triumphant at the end of the gold medal match against Spain on Sunday. Hide Caption 3 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – LeBron James goes up for a shot as Serge Ibaka of Spain attempts to block. Hide Caption 4 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Pau Gasol of Spain drives past Kevin Love of the United States. Hide Caption 5 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Kobe Bryant of the United States shoots a three-point shot over Juan-Carlos Navarro of Spain. Hide Caption 6 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – With victory in sight, U.S. players players come off the bench near the game's end as Marc Gasol of Spain walks off. Hide Caption 7 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – U.S. wrestler Jacob Varner waves the Stars and Stripes after winning the gold medal in the men's 96-kilogram freestyle event on Sunday, August 12. Hide Caption 8 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Varner defeated Ukraine's Valerii Andriitsev in the gold medal match Sunday. Hide Caption 9 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Varner revels in his victory over Andriitsev. Hide Caption 10 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Varner defeated George Gogshelidze of Georgia in the semi-final match to move on to the finals. Hide Caption 11 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Standing on the podium after receiving their medals are, left to right, silver medalist Andriitsev, gold medalist Varner and bronze medalists George Gogshelidze of Georgia and Khetag Gazyumov of Azerbaijan. Hide Caption 12 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – American David Boudia performs a dive in the the men's 10-meter platform diving final. He won gold with China's Bo Qiu taking silver and Great Britain's Tom Daley winning bronze. Hide Caption 13 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – David Boudia performs in the men's 10-meter platform diving final. Hide Caption 14 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – David Boudia reacts to winning gold in the men's 10-meter platform final. Hide Caption 15 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – David Boudia celebrates winning the men's 10-meter platform diving final with teammate Nicholas McCrory, who finished ninth. Hide Caption 16 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Seimone Augustus, number 5, and Angel McCaughtry, number 8, celebrate with the rest of the U.S. women's basketball team after defeating France 86-50 to win the gold medal. Hide Caption 17 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Members of the U.S. women's basketball team hug after defeating France. Hide Caption 18 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – France's Edwige Lawson-Wade, in blue, goes up for a shot against Sue Bird in the second half. Hide Caption 19 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Maya Moore, in white, leaps for the basket against France's Florence Lepron in the second half. Hide Caption 20 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – DeeDee Trotter, Allyson Felix, Sanya Richards-Ross and Francena McCorory, from left to right, are all smiles after winning gold in the women's 4x400-meter relay final. Hide Caption 21 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Sanya Richards-Ross of crosses the finish line to win gold for her team. Hide Caption 22 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Sanya Richards-Ross of the United States is triumphant as she crosses the finish line. Hide Caption 23 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Allyson Felix receives the relay baton from DeeDee Trotter during the women's 4x400-meter relay final. Hide Caption 24 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – The U.S. women's 4x100-meter relay team -- from left, Carmelita Jeter, Bianca Knight, Tianna Madison and Allyson Felix -- set a new world record in the final. Hide Caption 25 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – The U.S. women's 4x100-meter relay team wave the flag to celebrate their world record and gold medal winning victory. Hide Caption 26 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Carmelita Jeter of the United States celebrates winning gold in the women's 4x100-meter relay. Hide Caption 27 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – U.S. wrestler Jordan Ernest Burroughs celebrates with the national flag after defeating Iran's Sadegh Saeed Goudarzi in the men's freestyle gold medal match. Hide Caption 28 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Burroughs, in blue, grapples with Goudarzi in the gold medal match. Hide Caption 29 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Burroughs, in blue, competes with Goudarzi in the gold medal match. Hide Caption 30 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Burroughs is declared the winner after defeating Goudarzi. Hide Caption 31 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – From left to right: Silver medalist Sadegh Saeed Goudarzi of Iran, gold medalist Jordan Ernest Burroughs of the U.S. and bronze medalists Soslan Tigiev of Uzbekistan and Denis Tsargush of Russia on the podium of the men's 74-kilogram freestyle. Hide Caption 32 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – United States players celebrate winning the women's water polo gold medal match against Spain on Thursday, August 9, Day 13 of the London Olympics. Hide Caption 33 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – The U.S. team celebrates its gold medal win at the Water Polo Arena in London. Hide Caption 34 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Maggie Steffens of the United States shoots and scores a goal against Spain in the women's water polo match Thursday. Hide Caption 35 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Forward Abby Wambach is ecstatic after the United States defeated Japan 2-1 in the women's soccer gold medal match on Thursday, August 9, Day 13 of the London Olympics. Wambach missed the 2008 Games due to a broken leg. Hide Caption 36 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – The United States women's soccer team begins the celebration after defeating Japan, avenging its 2011 World Cup final loss. Hide Caption 37 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Midfielder Carli Lloyd of the United States heads in a goal in the first half of the game against Japan. The U.S. women's soccer team took its third straight Olympic gold medal. Hide Caption 38 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Forward Alex Morgan of the United States battles for the ball during Thursday's match against Japan. Hide Caption 39 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Christian Taylor of the United States celebrates after winning gold in the men's triple jump on Thursday. Hide Caption 40 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Christian Taylor competes in the men's triple jump final. Hide Caption 41 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Christian Taylor lands during the triple jump final on Thursday. Hide Caption 42 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Gold medalist Christian Taylor and silver medalist Will Claye, also of the United States, celebrate during the medal ceremony for the men's triple jump. Both athletes attended the University of Florida and are seen doing the "Gator chomp." Hide Caption 43 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Claressa Shields, in red, battles Nadezda Torlopova of Russia during the women's middleweight boxing final. Shields defeated Torlopova 19-12 to take the gold, becoming the first U.S. woman to take an Olympic boxing gold. See more photos of Shields and read her story on CNN's photo blog Hide Caption 44 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Shields trades punches with Torlopova during the final. Hide Caption 45 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Shields celebrates her victory as the referee announces her win. Hide Caption 46 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Shields leaves the ring after defeating Torlopova. Hide Caption 47 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Shields laughs on the podum after receiving her gold medal. Hide Caption 48 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Allyson Felix of the United States crosses the finish line ahead of Murielle Ahoure of Cote d'Ivoire and Carmelita Jeter of the United States to win the women's 200-meter final on Wednesday. Hide Caption 49 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Kerri Walsh Jennings of the United States, top, dives for the ball during the women's beach volleyball gold medal match on Day 12 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Horse Guards Parade on Wednesday, August 8. She and teammate Misty May-Treanor were playing another duo of Americans: April Ross and Jennifer Kessy. Hide Caption 50 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Kerri Walsh Jennings of the United States, left, competes against countryman April Ross during the women's beach volleyball match on Wednesday. Hide Caption 51 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Kerri Walsh Jennings, left, and Misty May-Treanor of the United States celebrate winning the gold medal. Hide Caption 52 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Brittney Reese of the United States competes in the women's long jump final on Wednesday. Hide Caption 53 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Brittney Reese of the United States competes in the women's long jump final. Hide Caption 54 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Brittney Reese of the United States celebrates winning gold in the women's long jump final. Hide Caption 55 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Aries Merritt of the United States crosses the finish line ahead of Hansle Parchment of Jamaica to win gold in the men's 110-meter hurdles final. Hide Caption 56 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Aries Merritt of the United States crosses the finish line ahead of Jason Richardson of the United States on Wednesday. Hide Caption 57 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Aries Merritt of the United States celebrates after winning gold in the men's 110-meter hurdles final. Hide Caption 58 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Allyson Felix of the United States crosses the finish line ahead of Murielle Ahoure of Cote d'Ivoire and Carmelita Jeter of the United States to win the women's 200-meter final. Hide Caption 59 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Allyson Felix of the United States celebrates after winning gold in the women's 200-meter final. Hide Caption 60 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Alexandra Raisman of the United States competes in the women's floor exercise final Tuesday, August 7, at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Hide Caption 61 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Gold medalist Alexandra Raisman poses on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women's gymnastics floor exercise final on Tuesday. Hide Caption 62 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Alexandra Raisman goes airborne during the floor exercise final. Hide Caption 63 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Jennifer Suhr of the United States celebrates winning the gold medal in the women's pole vault final on Monday. Hide Caption 64 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Jennifer Suhr competes in the women's pole vault final. Hide Caption 65 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Jennifer Suhr shows her emotion after winning gold. Hide Caption 66 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Sanya Richards-Ross wins the gold in the women's 400-meter final at the London 2012 Olympics on Sunday, August 5. Richards-Ross earned the 28th gold medal for the United States. Hide Caption 67 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – From left, silver medalist Christine Ohuruogu of Great Britain, gold medalist Richards-Ross and bronze medalist DeeDee Trotter of the United States show off their medals during Sunday's ceremony at Olympic Stadium in London. Hide Caption 68 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – From left, Amantle Montsho of Botswana, Richards-Ross, Antonina Krivoshapka of Russia, Trotter and Rosemarie Whyte of Jamaica run the 400-meter final Sunday. Hide Caption 69 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Richards-Ross crosses the line to win the gold. Hide Caption 70 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Richards-Ross basks in her victory. Hide Caption 71 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Venus Williams, left, and Serena Williams embrace after winning the women's doubles gold medal match on Sunday. Hide Caption 72 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Serena Williams, left, and Venus Williams play the Czech Republic's Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka at the women's doubles gold medal match. Hide Caption 73 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – The Williams sisters talk as they play Hlavackova and Hradecka. Hide Caption 74 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – The sisters celebrate after their victory against the Czech players Sunday. Hide Caption 75 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Left to right: Brendan Hansen, Matthew Grevers, Michael Phelps and Nathan Adrian pose following the medal ceremony for the men's 4x100-meter medley on Saturday, August 4. Hide Caption 76 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Michael Phelps competes in the men's 4x100-meter medley relay final. Hide Caption 77 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Clockwise: Matthew Grevers, Brendan Hansen, Michael Phelps and Nathan Adrian react to winning gold in the men's 4x100-meter medley relay. Hide Caption 78 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Left to right: Gold medalists Missy Franklin, Rebecca Soni, Dana Volmer, and Allison Schmitt pose during the medal ceremony for the women's 4x100-meter medley relay on Saturday, August 4. Hide Caption 79 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Dana Vollmer competes in the women's 4x100-meter medley relay final. Hide Caption 80 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Dana Vollmer, left, and Missy Franklin react after winning gold in the women's 4x100-meter medley relay. Hide Caption 81 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Brothers Mike Bryan, left, and Bob Bryan embrace after defeating France's Michael Llodra and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the men's doubles gold medal tennis match on Saturday, August 4, at Wimbledon. Hide Caption 82 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Mike Bryan, left, and Bob Bryan pose on a podium with their gold medals after winning the men's doubles tennis tournament. Hide Caption 83 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Mike Bryan, left, and Bob Bryan celebrate after defeating France's Michael Llodra and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to win gold in the men's doubles event. Hide Caption 84 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – France's Michael Llodra and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga compete against Mike Bryan and Bob Bryan of the United States in the men's doubles final. Hide Caption 85 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Serena Williams reacts after defeating Maria Sharapova of Russia to win the gold medal in women's singles tennis in London, England, on Saturday, August 4. Hide Caption 86 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Williams admires her gold medal during the medal ceremony after defeating Sharapova in the women's singles match. Hide Caption 87 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Serena Williams hits a return to Russia's Maria Sharapova during the women's singles tennis final. Hide Caption 88 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Serena Williams reacts to winning the gold medal in the women's singles tennis event. Hide Caption 89 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Gold medalist Jamie Lynn Gray of the United States celebrates on the podium after winning the 50-meter rifle 3 positions women's final Saturday, August 4. Hide Caption 90 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Gray aims a shot in the 50-meter rifle 3 positions women's qualification at the Royal Artillery Barracks in London. Hide Caption 91 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals olympics Jamie Lynn Gray 3 – Gray adjusts her shooting equipment during the women's 50-meter rifle 3 positions shooting qualification. Hide Caption 92 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Fifteen-year-old Katie Ledecky reacts after winning the women's 800-meter freestyle final on Friday, August 3. Hide Caption 93 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Left to right: Silver medallist Mireia Belmonte Garcia of Spain, gold medalist Katie Ledecky of the United States and bronze medalist Rebecca Adlington of Great Britain on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women's 800-meter freestyle final on day 7 of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Hide Caption 94 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Left to right: Silver medalists Chad le Clos of South Africa and Evgeny Korotyshkin of Russia and gold medalist Michael Phelps listen to the United States national anthem during the medal ceremony for the men's 100-meter butterfly final on Friday, August 3. Hide Caption 95 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Michael Phelps competes in the men's 100-meter butterfly final. Hide Caption 96 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Missy Franklin, left, is congratulated by Elizabeth Beisel after winning gold and breaking the world record in the women's 200-meter backstroke final on Friday. Hide Caption 97 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Missy Franklin competes in the women's 200-meter backstroke final. Franklin took gold in the event and American Elizabeth Beisel took bronze. Hide Caption 98 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Left to right: Silver medalist Anastasia Zueva of Russia, gold medalist Missy Franklin of the United States and bronze medalist Elizabeth Beisel of the United States on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women's 200-meter backstroke final on Day 7 of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Hide Caption 99 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Tyler Clary reacts after winning the gold in the men's 200-meter backstroke final in London on Thursday, August 2. Hide Caption 100 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Tyler Clary celebrates after winning the gold in the men's 200-meter backstroke final. Clary beat Ryan Lochte with an Olympic-record time of 1:53.41. Hide Caption 101 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Left to right: Ryan Lochte, Tyler Clary and China's Fenglin Zhang compete in the men's 200-meter backstroke final. Hide Caption 102 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps on the podium after winning the men's 200-meter individual medley in the London Olympics. Hide Caption 103 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Phelps, center, dives next to U.S. swimmer Ryan Lochte, top, and Japan's Kosuke Hagino at the start of the 200-meter individual medley. Hide Caption 104 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Phelps, who will retire after the Olympics, made history this week when he became the Olympian with the most medals. He earned his 20th in the individual medley event. Hide Caption 105 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Phelps led from the first leg of the butterfly, his specialty, until he touched the wall more than a half-second ahead of teammate Ryan Lochte. Hide Caption 106 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Phelps reacts to winning gold in the 200-meter Individual medley. Hide Caption 107 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Phelps bested Lochte, right, on Thursday to win the gold in their second head-to-head race. Over the weekend Lochte took gold in the 400-meter individual while Phelps could only manage fourth. Hide Caption 108 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – U.S. gymnast Gabrielle Douglas celebrates on the podium after winning the gymnastics women's individual all-around final on Thursday. Hide Caption 109 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – American Gabrielle Douglas performs in front of the judges during her the individual all-around gymnastics final on Thursday. Hide Caption 110 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Gymnast Gabrielle Douglas performs in the floor exercise at the North Greenwich Arena. Hide Caption 111 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Douglas waves to the crowd after winning the gold medal. Hide Caption 112 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – American Kayla Harrison reacts on the podium after winning the gold medal in women's judo on Thursday. Hide Caption 113 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – American Kayla Harrison, in white, and Gemma Gibbons of Britain compete in women's judo on Thursday. Hide Caption 114 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Kayla Harrison, in white, and Britain's Gemma Gibbons fight for first place. Hide Caption 115 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – United States' Kayla Harrison reacts after winning the match. Hide Caption 116 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – From left, Britain's silver medalist Gemma Gibbons, United States' gold medalist Kayla Harrison, Brazil's bronze medalist Mayra Aguiar, and France's bronze medalist Audrey Tcheumeo, pose on the podium after the women's judo competition. Hide Caption 117 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Members of the U.S. rowing team celebrate with their gold medals during the medal ceremony after the women's eight final at Eton Dorney in Windsor, England. Hide Caption 118 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – The U.S. team poses on their boat after winning their gold medals. Hide Caption 119 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Americans Zsuzsanna Francia and Esther Lofgren celebrate first place. Hide Caption 120 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Members of the gold medal-winning U.S. team, the silver medal-winning Canadian team and the bronze medal-winning Dutch team line up during the medal ceremony. Hide Caption 121 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – U.S. team hug after receiving their gold medals during the medal ceremony. Hide Caption 122 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Wearing their gold medals, members of the U.S. team celebrate in their boat. Hide Caption 123 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – The U.S. team throws their cox Mary Whipple into the water after their big win. Hide Caption 124 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – A member of the U.S. team wears an Uncle Sam getup after she and her teammates won the gold medal in the women's eight rowing final. Hide Caption 125 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – U.S. gold medalists, from left, Dana Vollmer, Allison Schmitt, Shannon Vreeland and Missy Franklin celebrate on the podium after winning the women's 4x200-meter freestyle relay on Wednesday. Hide Caption 126 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Dana Vollmer competes in the women's 4x200-meter freestyle relay. Hide Caption 127 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – From left, Shannon Vreeland, Dana Vollmer and Missy Franklin watch teammate Allison Schmitt finish first to win the relay. Hide Caption 128 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – The U.S. team celebrates after winning the 4x200-meter freestyle relay. Hide Caption 129 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – The U.S. women's swim team reacts to their victory over Australia. Hide Caption 130 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – At left, Shannon Vreeland, Missy Franklin, Allison Schmitt and Dana Vollmer of the United States celebrate next to the Australian team. Hide Caption 131 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Missy Franklin, Dana Vollmer, Shannon Vreeland and Allison Schmitt celebrate on the podium after taking the gold in the women's 4x200-meter freestyle relay on Wedesnday. It was the United States' eighth gold in swimming. Hide Caption 132 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – U.S. gold medalist Nathan Adrian poses on the podium after the men's 100-meter freestyle swimming event on Wednesday. Hide Caption 133 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – American swimmer Nathan Adrian celebrates after winning the men's 100-meter freestyle final. Hide Caption 134 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – From left, silver medalist James Magnussen of Australia, gold medalist Nathan Adrian of the United States and Brent Hayden of Canada stand with their medals on the podium during the medal cermony for the men's 100-meter freestyle final. Hide Caption 135 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – U.S. gold medalist Nathan Adrian celebrates after his win. Hide Caption 136 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – U.S. swimmer Nathan Adrian reacts after winning the men's 100-meter freestyle. Hide Caption 137 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – American swimmer Nathan Adrian raises his hands in triumph. Hide Caption 138 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Cyclist Kristin Armstrong celebrates winning a gold medal in the Olympic cycling time trial on Wednesday. She also won the medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Hide Caption 139 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Armstrong pushes ahead Wednesday during the women's individual time trial road cycling event. Hide Caption 140 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Armstrong celebrates the gold with her son, Lucas, during the medal ceremony. Hide Caption 141 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Armstrong is victorious in London. Hide Caption 142 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – From left, gold medallists Ryan Lochte, Conor Dwyer, Ricky Berens and Michael Phelps pose on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Men's 4x200-meter freestyle relay final on Tuesday. Hide Caption 143 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – U.S. swimmers Ryan Lochte, center, Conor Dwyer, left, Ricky Berens, right, and Michael Phelps, in the water, react after their win. Hide Caption 144 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – American Michael Phelps competes in the men's 4x200-meter freestyle relay final. Hide Caption 145 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Michael Phelps set an Olympic record with his 19th lifetime medal. Hide Caption 146 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Gold medalist U.S. swimmer Allison Schmitt stands on the podium after the women's 200-meter freestyle final. Hide Caption 147 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – American swimmer Allison Schmitt celebrates after winning the 200-meter freestyle final. Hide Caption 148 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Gold medalist Allison Schmitt poses with her medal. Hide Caption 149 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Allison Schmitt celebrates in the water after winning the gold. Hide Caption 150 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Allison Schmitt, left, is congratulated by Bronte Barratt of Australia after her win. Hide Caption 151 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Gold medalist Allison Schmitt, center, silver medalist Camille Muffat of France, right, and bronze medalist Bronte Barratt of Australia smile on the podium after the women's 200-meter freestyle final on Tuesday. Hide Caption 152 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – From left, gold medalist U.S. team McKayla Maroney, Kyla Ross, Alexandra Raisman, Gabrielle Douglas and Jordyn Wieber celebrate their gold medal in the women's gymnastics team final on Tuesday. They won the United States' seventh gold medal. Hide Caption 153 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – The gold medal hangs from the Olympian's neck. Hide Caption 154 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – American Kyla Ross and coach Jenny Zhang hug during the women's gymnastics team final Tuesday. Hide Caption 155 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – U.S. gymnast Gabrielle Douglas performs on the beam during the women's team final of the gymnastics event. Hide Caption 156 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – U.S. women's gymnastics coach John Geddert celebrates with his team after they won the gold in the team competition Tuesday. Hide Caption 157 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – American Alexandra Raisman competes on the balance beam Tuesday. Hide Caption 158 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Vincent Hancock shows off his gold medal in men's skeet shooting Tuesday. Hide Caption 159 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Hancock aims during the men's skeet shooting qualification round Tuesday at the Royal Artillery Barracks in London. The U.S. Army sergeant also won a gold medal in the 2008 Bejing Olympics. Hide Caption 160 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – U.S. swimmer Missy Franklin celebrates winning the women's 100-meter backstroke final swimming event at the London 2012 Olympic Games on Monday, July 30. Hide Caption 161 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Missy Franklin of the United States wipes a tear from her face as she reacts during the medal ceremony for the women's 100-meter backstroke on Monday. Hide Caption 162 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – From left, Camille Lacourt of France, Matt Grevers of the United States and Liam Tancock of Great Britain compete the final of the men's 100-meter backstroke on Monday. Hide Caption 163 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – American Matthew Grevers (left) celebrates winning gold with silver medalist and fellow American Nick Thoman at the finish of the men's 100-meter backstroke final swimming on Monday. Hide Caption 164 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – From left, silver medalist Emily Seebohm of Australia, gold medalist Missy Franklin of the United States and bronze medalist Aya Terakawa of Japan celebrate with their medals during the medal ceremony for the women's 100-meter backstroke on Monday. Hide Caption 165 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – U.S. swimmer Dana Vollmer poses on the podium after winning a gold medal in the women's 100-meter butterfly final at the London Olympics on Sunday, July 29. Hide Caption 166 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Vollmer set a world record in winning the 100-meter butterfly, becoming the first woman to go under 56 seconds. Hide Caption 167 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Vollmer celebrates after breaking the world record on Sunday. Hide Caption 168 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Kim Rhode listens to the U.S. national anthem after winning the gold medal in women's skeet shooting Sunday. Hide Caption 169 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Rhode celebrates winning the skeet competition at the Royal Artillery Barracks. Hide Caption 170 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Ryan Lochte celebrates with his gold medal during the men's 400-meter individual medley medal ceremony on Saturday. He captured the first U.S. gold medal of the Games. Hide Caption 171 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Lochte poses with medal on Saturday. His dental braces bear the U.S. flag. Hide Caption 172 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Lochte reacts after winning the men's 400-meter individual medley final. U.S. teammate and competitor Michael Phelps finished fourth. Hide Caption 173 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – Lochte competes in the men's 400-meter individual medley final. "I know it's my time, and I'm ready." Hide Caption 174 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – The 400-meter individual medley event Lochte won combines four types of strokes. Hide Caption 175 of 176 Photos: Olympics: American gold medals Olympics: American gold medals – While Lochte (above) took gold, Brazil's Thiago Pereira secured the silver medal and Japan's Kosuke Hagino won bronze. Hide Caption 176 of 176

Photos: Olympic Games leave London with a golden glow Photos: Olympic Games leave London with a golden glow Games leave London with a golden glow – London's Olympic Park has transformed Stratford in east London. The area was once a post-industrial wasteland, blighted by pollution. Today it is a bright, colorful park. Hide Caption 1 of 8 Photos: Olympic Games leave London with a golden glow Games leave London with a golden glow – After years of hard work, the contaminated land has been cleaned up and planted with wildflowers all the colors of the rainbow. Hide Caption 2 of 8 Photos: Olympic Games leave London with a golden glow Games leave London with a golden glow – They provide an oasis of calm in the heart of the bustling Olympic Park, which has welcomed thousands of sports fans in recent weeks. Hide Caption 3 of 8 Photos: Olympic Games leave London with a golden glow Games leave London with a golden glow – An army of volunteers clad in bright purple, red and pink welcome visitors to the Games. Hide Caption 4 of 8 Photos: Olympic Games leave London with a golden glow Games leave London with a golden glow – The volunteers have been credited with helping ensure the success of London's Olympics, creating a happy, positive mood in the city. Hide Caption 5 of 8 Photos: Olympic Games leave London with a golden glow Games leave London with a golden glow – Even the traditional British summer weather hasn't been able to dampen the spirits of fans from all over the world. Hide Caption 6 of 8 Photos: Olympic Games leave London with a golden glow Games leave London with a golden glow – Huge support for Team GB has helped the home side shoot up the medal table. Hide Caption 7 of 8 Photos: Olympic Games leave London with a golden glow Games leave London with a golden glow – Brits hope the country's renewed optimism will be one of the lasting legacies of the Games. Hide Caption 8 of 8

"It's not difficult to stage, as long as you've got stadia. It doesn't have to be a rugby stadium, it can be played in many types of stadiums. It's something which is very attractive to young people and the party atmosphere which goes with it."

So what would squash bring to the Games which is not already on offer?

"Squash is a worldwide sport," Shelley said. "We have world champions from all continents and it is played in 185 countries. It is a sport we feel will add something to the Olympics, as well as being a great opportunity for our athletes.

"There was an IOC official many years ago who told me, 'You've got to wait until the train comes into the station and stops. When it does, you've got to be ready.' We're ready, we're just waiting for the train now."

Even if squash is given the green light in Buenos Aires next year, it may come too late for David to reap the rewards of her enthusiastic work.

But, whatever the future has in store for her, she is determined to see squash elevated to the pantheon of Olympic sports.

"It's a dream of mine to be part of the Games," she said. "I'm going to do whatever it takes to get in there. I want to do whatever I can to get there and get squash in there as well.

"Whatever happens, I'll keep working hard because I want to see squash in there someday. If it is not this time, hopefully the next time."