Floyd Svensson

FOR FLOYD SVENSSON - LIFE BEGINS AT 40

The year was 1974.

Floyd Svensson, 51, of Orinda, Calif., upset top-seeded Cal MacCracken to win the U.S. seniors squash racquets title in Princeton, N.J. Svensson, who had never won a national tournament, eliminated five opponents, beating MacCracken 17-15, 18-15, 15-11.

Twelve years ago, Floyd Svensson discovered the game of squash racquets.  Although rather slight of build, Floyd possessed good lungs and strong legs - attributes, necessary for good squash, Floyd had developed as a long-distance runner earlier in his life.  Add to his hand-eye coordination with a racquet developed on the tennis courts, and you have the ingredients that are needed to become an outstanding squash player.  

After only his first few tournament victories, it was apparent that Floyd was going to be a good squash player.  However, no one really suspected how good he would eventually become.  Playing and residing in the San Francisco Bay Area, Floyd had to learn the game without the typical benefit of formal lessons or coaching.  By observing and studying the “A” players, and applying what he saw, Floyd moved up through the ranks to Class "A" and became a National Champion.

By his nature, Floyd determined to win with the goal of becoming a multiple-time champion. To realize such an ambitious goal, it was necessary to practice diligently and with rigorous dedication.  

Coming together this year, Floyd was joyously rewarded for this dedication.

In February 1975, his ambitious self-defined goal was realized when he successfully defended his US National Senior title he won last year; annexed his first Canadian Senior title; and to reveal his dominance in North America, he journeyed to Mexico and handily won the Mexican Senior National Championship.  No player had ever before accomplished the incomparable feat of winning the “Triple Crown”.  And everyone suspects that no one will ever accomplish the feat again. (unless Floyd himself repeats next year.)

To further demonstrate his dedication to the game, Floyd was not just as a player but contributed in other capacities such as serving at various times, as Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice-President of the NCSRA.

We, in the NCSRA, are so proud to have such a remarkable player such as Floyd be a part of our squash community.

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