Ackworth Old Scholar Wins Gold in the Commonwealth Games!

Born 1983 in Yorkshire, James was with Ackworth School from 1995 until 2002. James was recognised as a squash sensation at an early age. In 2002, he claimed his third consecutive British Junior Under-19 National Championship title. He established himself as England’s most successful under-14, under-17, and under-19 player. James also claimed British Junior Open trophies at under-17 and under-19. In the same year, he established himself as the world’s top junior player, claiming both the European and the World junior titles.

James has gone on to be one of the youngest players ever to play for the senior England team. He represented his county for the first time at both the European and World Team Squash Championships in 2003.

In 2005, James finished as a runner-up in the British Open. He went on to win the Qatar Classic trophy. at just 22, James was the No.2 player in the PSA world rankings.

In the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, James won a Silver Medal in the Mixed Doubles. He won the British National Squash Championships title in 2007 and 2008. In January 2010, he won his first Tournament of Champions title in New York.

In 2011, Willstrop put himself into first place in the PSA World Series rankings. He won 15 matches in a row. James then took gold in the Hong Kong Open, the Kuwait Open, and The Punj Lloyd PSA Masters. James ranked as the World No. 1 in January 2012.

At the 2018 Commonwealth Games, James won the Gold Medal in the Men’s Singles. In the Commonwealth Games 2022, he won the British National title.

Well done from us, James. Ackworth School continues to enjoy watching your career in Squash. We know you’ll be celebrating winning your well-deserved gold in the Men’s Doubles Squash!