There are some Olympic sports that seem to get more airtime than others, like swimming and gymnastics. But what about the lesser-known ones — the ones athletes train as diligently for, but that don't always get prime time coverage?
Take a look at some events you may not have realized were in the Olympics:
1. Canoe slalom
Canoe slalom evolved from ski slalom, in which skiers move around poles and other obstacles in their paths. But canoe slalom features hovering poles, rapids, and barriers that the athletes must navigate while trying to finish in first.
2. Four types of cycling
Maybe you know about Olympic cycling, but did you know that there's BMX, mountain bike, road, and track?
3. Equestrian
The Olympics are a decidedly human pursuit, but horses have their moment, too.
4. Handball
This mix of soccer, rugby, basketball, and lacrosse can confuse a viewer familiar with those sports, but it has its own magnetism.
5. Judo
The Japanese version of Jujitsu has been in the Games since the last time they were in Tokyo in 1964, and now has women's and men's divisions and weight classes, adding up to 14 total events. Unlike wrestling and boxing, matches max out at five minutes.
6. Modern pentathlon
Why compete in one sport when you can compete in five? The pentathlon tests athletes' prowess at running, swimming, fencing, shooting, and equestrian. Shouldn't this count for five medals?
7. Taekwondo
This Korean sport is now prevalent in 206 countries, so it's only fair that athletes get to compete on the international level every four years.
8. Trampoline
Athletes perform acrobatics like pikes, somersaults, and twists, but instead of working their way across the mat or diving into the water, they do it while bouncing on a trampoline.
