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Olympic Games Update

Just out of interest, I presume you're against tennis being in it too?

I'm actually fine with both sports being in but not in their current formats. Golf should be matchplay or a two person team event and Tennis should only be doubles events. I think that way the Olympics would at least be the peak of those formats of either game. (I think anyway, there's never much buzz for doubles the rare occasions when I watch tennis)
I agree Matchplay golf would be a fine addition to the Olympics, singles, pairs and mixed pairs would make for an interesting program.

I only mention Golf because it was one of two sports (the other being 7s) that were added over Squash in 2016.
 
I agree Matchplay golf would be a fine addition to the Olympics, singles, pairs and mixed pairs would make for an interesting program.

I only mention Golf because it was one of two sports (the other being 7s) that were added over Squash in 2016.
Fair, definitely a financial decision. Getting world stars into the games rather than Squash players. Saying that I haven't watched a second of Olympic golf despite being a huge fan and know loads of people who are the same so how well it's working is questionable.
 
Squash did everything they needed to get to Rio - except offer the size of bribe that Golf could afford
Just out of interest, I presume you're against tennis being in it too?

I'm actually fine with both sports being in but not in their current formats. Golf should be matchplay or a two person team event and Tennis should only be doubles events. I think that way the Olympics would at least be the peak of those formats of either game. (I think anyway, there's never much buzz for doubles the rare occasions when I watch tennis)
That's a really good idea actually. I don't mind tennis because it's been there long enough to know that the top tennis players DO take it really seriously - as seriously as a slam. But I'd have no problem with ditching the singles; as the doubles absolutely is bigger at the omypics than the slams.
IMO Golf shouldn't be there, but I'm willing to be convinced (and again, using a "lesser" variety of the sport would be a really good call).

Soccer is the other big one that simply shouldn't be in there. I do'nt know where I saw the sugegstion (possibly even this thread) but switching it out for 5-a-side just makes perfect sense. That format already exists, is massively played, and has no real coverage / prestige at the top, whilst being specialised enough that you probably couldn't "just" drop a bunch of ringer into there and win the thing (not to mention that those ringers are highly unlikey to do so)
 
Well done to nz gold medalists in the womens pair. A gold and a world record at the olympics (yeah i know thats very condition dependent in rowing, but still), well done.
 
Seriously, we will get to the point that e-sports are included at the Olympics and that really will be taking the ****.
 
Out go Murray and Salisbury in the doubles.
And somehow these random kiwis made the semis
The Olympics are a really odd mix…..

Some classic sports where it's the absolute pinnacle…..athletics, swimming etc

Some where it's not remotely a priority for the competitors and shouldn't be there…..looking at you, tennis and golf.

Some which are watered down derivations of the real thing….boxing, football, 3x3 basketball and (runs for cover) 7s.

Some which are very niche…..modern pentathlon, horse dancing and artistic swimming and some which are universal like athletics and swimming.

Some where physical prowess is all….obvious. Others where it's much more about skills judgement and experience….shooting, horse dancing etc. Competitor ages range from 12- 66.

Some where tech / money play a huge part - anything to do with horses, boats and bikes and some where it doesn't - martial arts and others.

I guess this diversity is fantastic, but it is an odd mish mash when you think about it.

In terms of new events I know skateboarding's skilful, but it's not my idea of an Olympic sport (or a sport at all)……darts would be better. Climbing on the other hand is a great addition. As as for breakdancing in Paris 3 years hence….
I just showed this to my bro tuivuaka
 
If the IOC was smart it would look at doing a separate esports olympics instead of adding it too the olympics.
Would honestly do well and wouldn't alienate either sides.
 
If the IOC was smart it would look at doing a separate esports olympics instead of adding it too the olympics.
Would honestly do well and wouldn't alienate either sides.

Separate would be fine. As long as it's not at the same current Olympics. Like they have separate Winter games.

Still imagine being Olympic champion at Call of Duty or Fifa/Pro Evo? Lol. Spotty teenagers in their bedrooms unite. Wouldn't even need to be in the same country. But yes, e-sports is massive and will only get bigger.
 
Would love if it was but given the IOC's apparent reluctance to accept powerlifting due to doping concerns, despite having a tested and untested division, I somehow doubt strongman would ever be considered clean enough haha.
Given track and field, cycling and weightlifting are all staples they shouldn't really be too worried on that score……
 
Just seen the post race interview for the Irish gold medalists

"The porter will be flowing in the streets of Skibbereen, so we'll be rowing in that for a while"
 
Strongman is openly juicy though, at least the others pretend not to be
So all those big guys in Strongman are on steroids? :rolleyes: what's the point to watch it then.. everyone can take steroids and do the same, never really watched Strongman though , don't find it interesting
 
Just seen the post race interview for the Irish gold medalists

"The porter will be flowing in the streets of Skibbereen, so we'll be rowing in that for a while"
Don't know if it was the same interview but my favourite quote was when they were asked what it's like to hear Amhrain na bhfiann on the Olympic podium and O'Donovan goes "ah sure it's a good tune like".
 

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