Raneem Retires

It’s been 4 days since the announcement and no matter how hard I tried to come up with the right words for this post.....I failed....miserably !!!

I have so many emotions, so many things I want to say, things I can’t even express in words. Every time I end up with countless, random, incoherent sentences that make absolutely no sense........WHATSOEVER !

But then how could I make sense if we’re about to bring down the curtain on a 25 year long success story? A story which I so luckily happened to witness from start to finish.

For the past 9 years I’ve had the privilege to take on an incredible journey with the most fascinating, kind hearted, humble, sweet, beloved champ to ever grace the sport of Squash.

Rino 😍

I won’t even discuss the unprecedented records you’ve set for many years to come, or how you’ve raised the bar for your generation to take our beautiful game to higher echelons.

It’s how you’ve conducted yourself On & Off court that truly mattered. You were humble in victory and gracious in defeat. Your work ethic was second to none. You always had time for your fans, signing autographs, taking pictures (no matter how long it took just to make everyone happy). You were always great with kids who looked up to you (and still do). Whoever needed advice, you were always there to help. No wonder you won the “Spirit of Squash” award 4 years in a row !!

Talking about your squash career in the past tense feels so weird 🙈😃.

My dear Rino, as a fellow squash player, it was an honor to witness the remarkable story that is: Your Career. Not everyday a sport loses a phenomenon such as your self. You were very special to all of us and it was genuinely heartbreaking to say goodbye 👋🏼.

As your husband, I’m truly blessed to have you in my life. I’m so happy that I’d still get to see you everyday, start a whole new family with you, and watch our kids grow around the best mom in the whole world.

Be proud of who you are and what you’ve accomplished. You’ll never be forgotten ❤️❤️❤️

#Goodbye_legend #New_beginnings

It is quite hard to let it sink in.

The news of your retirement is heartbreaking for me.

I wish I had the chance to witness you for longer,Enjoy Watching you play more and spend more time with you on tour.

But I was very fortunate to share with you a part of your journey and Live so many beautiful memories and great moments with you.

A class act on and off court,A true paragon and an inspiration to so many,A fighter mindset mixed with elegance,A fierce champion with the kindest heart.

Your impact on the sport as a player and as a person was great,Still is great and will keep on being greatly present.

Thank you for all what you have done for the sport. Thank you for showing the world the true meaning of sportsmanship. Thank you for always spreading joy,warmth and love. Thank you for the lessons you taught me and for always being my friend and sister.

Your simplicity, sincerity, humbleness and wonderful personality are out of this world.

Stellar career. Incredible talent. Beautiful human.

No words will ever be enough.

CONGRATULATIONS LEGEND.

All the happiness and success in your next chapter.

I will truly miss you on tour.

Love you. Raneem El Welily    Salma Hany

Been trying to put into words how I feel about this but I’m not quite sure. U’ve been a huge part of my life. Over 15 years Ive been looking up to u and seeking ur guidance in all things not just squash... I understood more about squash with u and through u.. I understood more about how to treat people through watching u everyday. Uve been helping me intentionally & unintentionally since day 1. Im sure its not going to be easy without u on tour and I’m going to miss seeing u everyday 🥺🤗

It’s been a few days now n I’m still in denial. U r jst meant to b on crt..Everyone talked about how an exceptional person n athlete u were/are n I second their every word, but words wld never do u justice.

I haven’t just experienced competing with or against u, but I also had the pleasure of watching u grow up UP CLOSE.. As if were one of my kids, I witness each of their milestones n say to myself I can’t believe they’ve already grown so much. It started with a picture that I have at our first World Junior Team’s celebration at the basket ball court at Sporting Club, when u were so tiny but had a big dream n a special sparkle in ur eyes that u don’t see often. The days passed n u became A WJ Champion (it was big but “OH WELL! It was expected” u were too good!) Later u turned 19 n was officially a pro then had to go through a VERY harsh phase. Everyone was always blaming u for the SUPER STAR u “Shld b” but weren’t “jst yet”.

 Although U were still one of my competitors but it was so painful seeing u being pulled down by all the weight u were carrying (n it was one hell of a weight). U broke down but u were lucky enough to b surrounded by an incredible family n support system who were torn bet. continuous pressure from ppl in the field n knowing that u need to take ur time to shoot up with no turning back. U slowly found ur balance n started making ur way up. Got married n then finally achieved wat u were born to be...A World Champion, a World No.1 n an Absolute Legend. Ppl always c wat others achieve but have no idea wat the price they paid was. Im sure saying goodbye isn’t easy but the legacy u left behind will always make u smile n ur heart race. I ❤️ u Rino for the beautiful person u r n I will miss the feeling of my heart pound when cheering for u 🙈🙈😄😄

P.S Don’t worry..this is not the end of the chasing n running in ur life. I promise it will only get better 😁😁😘

Welcome to a whole new CLUB that doesn’t come with a contract 🥰🥰

Engy Kheirallah

When I think about you Raneem El Welily this is my over riding image of you! Smiling & with family Reeme Mansi or friends. It has been that way since the 1st time I saw you, to the last time I saw you in New York.

Your squash career speaks for its self but your bright smile & kindness to every person I’ve seen you interact with is bigger than squash!

I hope I still see you & your family in the future because it always has been an absolute pleasure!

Happy retirement & congratulations!   Laura Massaro

There is absolutely nothing I can write that will suffice, but here goes.

These past two days have been very emotional for me. Raneem El Welily was not merely a fellow player, Raneem has been my companion through my squash journey for as long as I can remember, she became family. Every happy moment, every challenging moment, she was by my side.

Raneem, I honestly find it very difficult to picture being on tour without you. You have taught me so much on a personal and professional level.

While I can’t help but express how terribly missed you will be, I am extremely happy and excited for this next chapter of your life, which I know I will always be a part of.

Thank you for everything you gave this game and for everything you gave me. Thank you for your sportsmanship and for being the best travel companion I could ask for.

Thank you for being a shoulder to cry on and a sister to celebrate with. Thank you for being my secret keeper. Above all, Thank you for being You. Always a partner never a rival #LifelongBond

Nour El Sherbini

ToC 2015 Final

Can’t imagine you are retiring!!! 

First thing came into my mind first time i saw u with ur football shoes and ur football beside u watching a squash match and going into the court between games to have a hit... u were so passionate and i could see how much u loved the game from day one.. u r a true legend... u raised the bar for everyone and made the game so interesting... still not believing it but u had an amazing career u made everything anyone could ever dreamt of.. thank u for being always there in my ups and downs especially my downs... u ve a golden pure crazy heart...goodluck my baby sis and hope u ve a great run in ur next chapter inshallah... may we always stay close to each other... luv u so much xoxo.

#اجدع-واحدة-في-العالم   Omneya Abdel Kawy

Congratulations ! Raneem on your amazing career. An even better ambassador for squash world..Wish you all the success and happiness in this new phase of your life. I am sure you will be missed by everyone on squash tour..  Jahangir Khan

Yesterday’s surprise news highlighted just how important it is to appreciate and make the most of each moment! Who knew Blackball would be the last time we’d see @RaneemElWelily on the @PSAWorldTour Thank you for elevating the game to heights it’s never seen before!  Lee Drew

On behalf of Wadi Degla Clubs, i want to congratulate our champion Raneem El Weleily for her amazing career, you are such a true champion on and off court. The Squash World will miss you champ!  I wish you and Tarek the best of luck in your next chapter!  Karim Darwish

Happy retirement ya rino❤️, i’m truly happy for you and i wish you all the best in your next chapter yet i feel very sad knowing that i wont be able to watch you play again. You’ve been an incredible role model to everyone, i was very lucky to share the court with you. I’ve learnt so much from you on and off the court. Thank you for inspiring me in so many levels. The tour won’t be the same without you !!! TRUE LEGEND ❤️ Rowan Elaraby

What a sad day for the sport and for me personally. I’ve known Raneem since I was 10 years old and she was always the most genuine person and it was a pleasure to watch your progress during your career. One of the greatest of her generation and she lead the way for women squash in Egypt and she was always a great role model to all of us. We became world champions together in the same year and for that it made it more special for me. Thanks for everything you have done for our sport and good luck in your next chapter❤️  Mohamed ElShorbagy

Shocked to hear the retirement of @raneemelwelily this morning, an amazing player with beautiful technique and one of the best movers I have ever seen! @charlie.t132 will be gutted to hear the news! Good luck Raneem and you will make a success of anything you decide to do 👍🏻👊🏻👌🏻 the squash world and fans will miss you!  Nick Taylor

Congratulations Raneem on your amazing career. An even better person off the court Wish you all the success and happiness in this new phase of your life. You will be missed on tour. Joshna Chinappa

So sorry to lose such a decent person and such a marvellous player from the tour, but happy that the next phase of her life is has such clear purpose. We won't forget you, Raneem! Richard Eaton

The then world junior squash champion...Raneem competed at the Los Angeles Athletic club in a WISPA tournament way back in 2007! Unseeded...she made the finals against #1 seed Natalie Grainger, who won the match in four games!  Bob Hanscom

Raneem is a news of surprise, but may God grant you success for what is good for you and the fact that you are one of the players who left and will leave a huge impact on the future of many players with your morals and capabilities in everything. We will not bid farewell, but welcome to your new life. Nasser Zahran

Honestly feel like @RaneemElWelily took women’s squash to another level , technically. Loved the way she played . Shame she is retiring when still at the top of the game Ben Ford

Sad (for selfish reasons😜) to hear of Raneem’s retirement from the PSA tour today, but delighted she and Tarek will be welcoming a new baby squash champion in the near future! Raneem has been a valuable support to me on my Road to Poland journey (which is now pushed back a year due to “the Covid” as we Irish say)... Always an inspiration and support, even through her own challenging competitive times, she made time for all of us. Farewell to a true sportsperson, a hero and role model, a thoughtful friend, and must of all Proper Legend. I have no doubt she will lead the way in anything she puts her hand to! I did get to play her once, and afterwards, you can see me having that chat saying “Raneem, you must NEVER retire...”😂😂😜. Clearly, she didn’t listen! 🤪  Orla O’Doherty Brown

don’t know where to start. Since I was a kid, my dream was just to step on court with you. I still remember our very first match and how excited I was to be sharing the court with Raneem El Welily. I have learned so much from watching your matches, practicing together and witnessing your very unique attitude both on and off the court. Such a strong and determined character yet a very genuine and kindhearted person. You have raised the bar and helped the women’s game reach a whole new level which pushed me everyday to try and become a better player. So many memories and great stories that I’m proud and lucky to share with you. You will always remain a true inspiration. Thank you Ronosh for all the great memories You will definitely be missed I wish you the best of luck in your new chapter ❤️ Nouran Gohar

Simply irreplaceable @RaneemElWelily By some way my favourite player to watch, you never compromised yourself to achieve what you did. Class, grace, humility, just like your mum what a role model you will be for your child. Wishing you and @TkMomen all the happiness #squashlegend  Emma Charlton