Universities in Britain – especially the newer ones – are often ridiculed for offering degree courses in so-called ‘Mickey Mouse’ subjects, in order to attract a wider range of punters. As an ex-university teacher of a more ‘traditional’ and – I would say – rigorous subject, I would go along with some of this criticism.

But then what about the Olympic Games in recent years? A few decades ago it was just Athletics. (A few millennia ago the Games included Poetry; but we’ll leave that aside for the moment.) Now we have Beach Volleyball, Ping-Pong, Shooting, Synchronised Swimming, Swimming Backwards (why not Running Backwards?), Walking whilst Wobbling your Bottom, Horses Doing Funny Walks… and, for pity’s sake, as I learn today: Skateboarding.

Skateboarding! Whatever will come next? Marbles? Conkers? Hopping on One Leg? Crazy Golf? Darts? Snakes and Ladders? – Even I might stand a chance with some of these, as (at 83) one of the least athletic people on earth. But the Olympics have already been devalued enough.

Maybe there could be an alternative or ancillary Olympic Games, like there is for athletes with disabilities (Paralympians); but this time for kids, and taking in the kids’ sports. Or, alternatively, bring the original Greek Olympics back; with the Poetry contest included, of course.

But this really is trivial, by the side of Gaza, Ukraine, and the riots in England. Sorry.