On 18 May 2024, Diego Elías found himself in a moment that almost felt surreal. The Peruvian had just become the first South American to win a squash world championship. Tears of joy ran down his face as he embraced his father, alongside his long-time masseuse and fitness coach, in the glass-walled court. However, all around them in Cairo, there was silence. The capacity crowd, so often a roaring presence, sat stunned.