The Olympics come once every four years and are unquestionably one of the most watched events during those 17 days. While some sporting events, like swimming and gymnastics, are watched by many and are well known, many sports slip under the radar and are few realize how entertaining they actually are. Below is a list that outlines some of the most underrated sports the Rio Olympics has to offer.
1. Table Tennis
If you want to see the most intense game of ping-pong in your life, the Olympics are the place to watch. Nothing says competition quite like two competitors playing ping-pong with more intensity than you’ve ever seen before. Table tennis is actually the most popular racket sport in the world. Men and women’s events are held in both individual and team disciplines. If you like games that are fast moving this could be the one for you.
2. Race Walking
A discipline within track and field that many don’t realize exist is race walking, aka power walking. Both men and women walk twenty kilometers at top speed without ever breaking into a run. Despite it being a longer event, it’s sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
3. Trampoline
If you love watching gymnasts flip during their floor routines, you would love the trampoline events. It’s all the flipping on repeat for long periods of time. Men and women can compete in this sport and will reach heights as high as eight meters. Trampoline is often forgotten about as it has only been around since the summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia in 2000.
4. Rhythmic Gymnastics
Rhythmic Gymnastics is awe-inducing routines most similar to that of dance. These routines incorporate often ribbons and other props and it is a women only sport. Gymnasts use large amounts of grace in this event as they perform to different songs. It is done in both group and individual events. This is definitely a fun event to watch especially if you enjoy dance or gymnastics.
5. Modern Pentathlon
The Modern Pentathlon does it all. It is composed of five different acts in five different areas. It includes running, horseback riding, shooting, swimming, and fencings. There are both men and women’s events for this and it is composed of several different rounds where athletes are ranked before medalling. It is definitely a sport worth watching if you want to see a little bit of everything.
6. Golf
Golf is often forgotten about because it was just added back to the Olympics this year after having been gone since 1904. Prior to this year’s Olympics the event was only featured in the 1900 and 1904 games. The competitors will be golfing on a brand new Olympic course so it will be a sight to see for sure.
