Since the end of the 2014 Sochi games, people worldwide have been anxiously awaiting the start of the 2016 Rio Olympics. Two years ago one of the most bizarre but strangely entertaining sports to watch was curling. Teams of four worked vigorously to move large "pucks" across several feet of ice without ever physically touching the heavy stone weights. As this year’s Olympic games begin, don’t forget to watch four key events that may prove to be just as unique and weird as the shuffleboard-like sport of curling.
POWER WALKING
While athletes like Usain Bolt and Allyson Felix will be trying to prove that they are the fastest runners in the world, other Olympians will be competing to win the the title of the "fastest walker." In the men and women's 20km walk, athletes will spend hours doing nothing but power walking. More referees monitor this event than at a soccer game, awarding penalties whenever athletes stop walking and start jogging. Similar to baseball, after "three strikes" walkers are eliminated from the competition.
When to watch: August 12, 19
TRAMPOLINING
Most gymnastics fans can't wait to watch superstar Simone Biles, Laurie Hernandez ("the human emoji"), Gabby Douglas and Aly Raisman (star gymnasts of the London games), and Madison Locian try to defend the 2012 Olympic team gold medal. Another young gymnast, Nicole Ahsinger, will also attempt to earn a podium spot in Rio. The childhood friend of the Fierce Five member, Kyla Ross, will be the lone American competitor in the women's trampoline event. The flips and jumps we did on our backyard trampolines to impress our friends are nothing compared to the moves Ahsinger will do in her routine. She will perform several stunts similar to those seen in artistic gymnastics but only after she has lept over 50 feet in the air.
When to watch: August 12
TABLE TENNIS
Before Roger Federer, Andy Murray, and Serena Williams step onto the tennis court, many tennis matches will already have been played at a much smaller scale. Several European and Asian athletes will be seeking to win gold in an event made popular by Forrest Gump, table tennis aka "ping pong." After watching several surprisingly intense matches, you will be inspired to find your old ping pong table and challenge your buddies to a few friendly games. Good luck on not losing any ping pong balls.
When to watch: August 10, 11 (event finals)
SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING
Millions will be watching as Missy Franklin, Michael Phelps, and Katie Ledecky enter the pool aiming to defend world titles and win gold medals. In another part of Rio's aquatics stadium, a different type of swimming competition will be taking place. Starting on August 18, synchronized swimmer teams will be performing stunning, artistic routines filled with water acrobatic moves "kids shouldn't try at home." Even as routines start to run together, you won't be tempted to change the channel-you'll be too mesmerized by the swimmers eye-catching, exotic costumes and makeup.
When to watch: August 18, 19
