The Summer Olympics. Arguably one of the most anticipated two weeks of the summer. Millions of people tune in to support their country and watch these incredible athletes compete for gold. We all get excited for the popular sports and athletes: the flawless execution of the gymnasts, the endurance of the track and field athletes, the competitive swimmers reaching for gold—all this, along with the patriotism of the fans and critiques of the commentators, draws us in as we cheer on our team.

However, many of us seem to neglect the unusual and not highly popularized sports. The Olympic Games are an opportunity for all sports to compete and show the world their amazing features. Here are a few of the lesser known sports competing in the Olympics, but are nevertheless just as exciting and worthy of watching:

Handball

This sport was introduced in the 1936 Olympics, but ceased to remain in any further summer games until 1972. The idea of this game follows it's name quite accurately and incorporates many aspects of sports including lacrosse, basketball, water polo and more. Handball consists of two seven-person teams throwing a ball, using only their hands, into each other's goal. This contact sport is competitive and gripping (literally) to watch!

Semi-finals: August 18th

Finals: August 20th

Sailing

Aside from the cancellation due to weather at the first 1896 Olympics, this sport has been breezing through every game since Paris in 1900 (who knew?!). This sport requires the strength of athletes to steer their boat around obstacles created by buoys, while being powered only by wind. They must steer through crazy currents and courses on the choppy water. This year in Rio, the competitions take place in the beautiful Guanabara Bay.

Mixed Races, Preliminaries and Medal Races: August 14th-18th

Trampoline

Not quite like the trampoline in your backyard, this Olympic sport is sure to make you bounce a little higher next time. Filled with artistic combinations and twists sure to blow your mind, this category will keep your eyes glued to the TV. A typical routine will consist of ten contacts (or bounces) with the spring, allowing the gymnasts to shine for gold with somersaults, twists, pike and straddle positions.

Archery

Debuting in 1900, archery flies through with men's individuals, woman's individuals, men's team and women's team. Seemingly simple, however, archers must shoot the target from a distance of 70 meters in each category. In the individual rounds, each archer shoots 72 arrows! Their focus and accuracy is incredible to watch.

Fencing

Being apart of the action since the beginning of the Modern Era Olympic Games 1886, fencing takes storm of Rio 2016. The idea of fencing is to strike your opponent as many times in a match. The quickness and skillfulness of this medieval-inspired duel will have you hooked.

Equestrian

A little different than the Kentucky Derby, Olympic Equestrian offers three different areas of competition: dressage, jumping and eventing. Equestrian is the only sport where men and woman can fairly compete against each other in any event. The three different competitions are each fascinating and unique in their own way. The unpredictability of the horses always keeps it interesting.

Finals Team Jumping: August 17th

Finals Individual Jumping: August 19th