Breaking with tradition

revolution on the streets of Paris that we don’t know about?

Will gyrating Parisiennes storm the barricades should the organisers not get their wish?

Climbing, surfing and skateboarding are also wanted – that trio should be easily accommodated as they’ve already been lined up for Tokyo 2020, while squash has been . . . well, squashed, again.

Before this column is met with an ‘Old Man Shouts at Cloud’ meme, it votes for continuing changes and re-assessment of the Olympic programme to keep pace with the world.

There is no longer the standing high jump, tug-of-war and croquet at the Games – mostly for sound reasons (but you kinda wish to watch a standing high jump comp, right?). At the 1964 Olympics, the longest athletics distance race for women was the 800m.

So Esports should be the next major addition to the Olympic programme. It has massive participation numbers that are still rapidly expanding, keeps the Olympic movement relevant with youth and will prove to be a huge audience driver.

But, vive la difference for now, as we prepare to cheer on b-boys Scott and Joe as they stabbed windmill and toprock in pursuit of the podium.

‘‘We truly believe squash could seamlessly integrate into the Olympic programme with minimal costs and an optimised pool of participants,’’ the WSF/PSA statement read.

‘‘Our unique interactive glass court would allow squash to bring a lot of additional excitement and spectacular action to any iconic monument of the host city or shed a new light on less known urban areas, while also helping to engage young people in the sport from day one of the preparations and well beyond the Olympic Games.’’