The sports that usually come to mind when someone mentions the Winter Olympics are snowboarding, skiing, and of course, figure skating. They're exhilarating, sometimes adrenaline rushing to watch, but there are more than just these three sports. Rather than turn your attention to these three events, consider turning your attention to these other winter Olympic sports.
1. Luge
Imagine going down a slide made of ice on your back at speeds of 100 miles an hour: that's what the luge is, essentially. Competitors of this thrill-seeking sport rely only on a small sled for support and must attempt to keep up with the curves and slipperiness of the unknown path that they are on. If you're a daredevil, love fast-paced rides, and just want to watch people slide down a giant hill, the luge will seriously keep your eyes glued to the tv screen or maybe even feel the slightest bit nervous for the Olympian.
2. Bobsleigh
I can barely stand straight on both my legs on an ice skating rink, but bobsleigh athletes sure can! Not only do they walk on ice, but they run, pushing a bobsleigh against the ice's surface and jump right into the bobsled, sliding down another unfamiliar icy slide. The reflexes and swiftness of these athletes surely will leave anyone in amazement at their incredible skill to maneuver this heavy sleigh down an icy slide.
3. Speed Skating
Watching in awe at a figure skater twirl in the air and doing flips is amazing, but this is not the only type of skating out there that will leave you in wonderment at the talent of ice skaters. Speed skaters bend down on their knees in synchronized positions in a line in an attempt to outrace their fellow competitors. It oftentimes is difficult for the average non-competitive ice skating human to stand perfectly straight on their skates in ice, but the deftness and ability for these skaters to skate pointed down to the ice is a sight to see.
It is always exciting and thrilling to watch an ice skater perfect her twirl or a snowboarder shred through the snow down a steep hill, but the talent of the lugers, bobsledders, and speed skaters attest to how powerful the human body can be. Whether you want to watch the Olympics because of its famed status or just to watch something on TV, the luge, bobsledding, and speed skating should be definitely on your list of events to watch this winter. Who knows, maybe you would want to try your hand at one of these sports one day or become entranced by the incredible skill of these athletes.
