21 Less-Recognized Events in Olympic Games
The Olympics have captured the world’s attention this summer.
Some of the newer additions, like breakdancing and skateboarding, have brought fresh energy and excitement to the games, appealing to younger audiences and showcasing a broader range of athletic talents. These new sports are redefining what it means to be an Olympian.
Let’s take a look at some of the lesser-known Olympic sports.
Sepaktakraw
Originating in Southeast Asia, sepaktakraw differs from volleyball by using a rattan ball and allowing players to use only their feet, head, knees, and chest to touch the ball. The sport is renowned for its dramatic, acrobatic volleys. Athletes require flexibility, reflexes, and precise teamwork to excel.
Squash
Squash involves two players hitting a small, hollow ball against the walls of a closed court. The sport originated at Harrow School in England in the 19th century. It tests players’ endurance, agility, and strategic thinking, as the game’s pace can change in an instant.
Artistic Roller Skating
Artistic roller skating involves performing jumps, spins, and dance routines on roller skates. This sport, reminiscent of figure skating, demands grace and precision on wheels. Competitors perform to music, blending athleticism with artistic expression.
Boules
Boules, also known as pétanque, involves throwing metal balls as close as possible to a small wooden ball called a cochonnet. The sport is deeply embedded in French culture but has spread globally. It requires precision, strategy, and an ability to read the playing field.
Chess Boxing
Chess boxing is a hybrid sport that combines the cerebral challenge of chess with the physical endurance of boxing. Competitors alternate between rounds of chess and boxing, testing their strategic thinking and physical resilience. This unusual pairing was conceived as an art project and has since gained a following in Germany and Russia.
Canoe Polo
Canoe polo combines kayaking and water polo elements, where teams in canoes attempt to throw a ball into a suspended goal. The game is fast-paced and requires adept boat handling skills as well as quick decision-making. Originating in the early 20th century, it now enjoys popularity across various continents.
Fistball
Fistball is a sport similar to volleyball, where teams strike a ball over a net using their arms or fists. The game traces back to ancient Rome and has been refined in Germany over centuries. It demands great agility and precision, with the ball often reaching high speeds.
Bandy
Bandy is essentially ice hockey played with a ball on a field as big as a soccer pitch, and it predates its more famous cousin. Originating in Russia and Scandinavia, this sport requires players to skate swiftly and handle their sticks with finesse. The large playing area and fewer players per team compared to ice hockey create a distinct strategic play style.
Orienteering
Orienteering is a race where athletes use a map and compass to navigate from point to point in diverse and unfamiliar terrain. Originating as a military exercise in Sweden, the sport tests both physical endurance and mental sharpness. Competitions can vary from dense forests to urban settings, adding versatility to the challenges faced by participants.
Sport Climbing
Sport climbing tests participants’ strength and precision as they scale artificial rock walls. The sport entered the Olympic scene recently, highlighting the growing appeal of climbing competitions. Athletes must master various climbing techniques and solve “problems” quickly to succeed.
Wushu
Wushu, or Chinese martial arts, showcases routines that include maneuvers from traditional combat practices and modern acrobatics. It emphasizes fluidity, strength, and rhythm, making it both a sport and an art form. Athletes perform with various traditional weapons and barehanded techniques, judged on their skill and execution.
Air Sports
Air sports encompass a range of activities, including paragliding, hang gliding, and skydiving. These sports test pilots’ abilities to control their crafts through complex aerial maneuvers and unpredictable weather conditions. Competitions focus on accuracy, choreography in the sky, and sometimes, speed.
Modern Pentathlon
Modern pentathlon includes fencing, swimming, equestrian show jumping, pistol shooting, and a cross-country run. This sport, designed to test the skills of a 19th-century cavalry officer, requires athletes to adapt quickly between disciplines.
Racquetball
Racquetball is played on an indoor court with a hollow rubber ball. The sport, developed in the 1950s in the United States, is known for its fast pace and short, intense bursts of play. Players must demonstrate quick reflexes and strategic shot placement to win.
Water Skiing
Water skiing combines speed, balance, and strength as athletes are towed behind a boat on skis. The sport has been a competitive discipline for decades, featuring events like slalom, tricks, and jump skiing.
Equestrian Vaulting
Equestrian vaulting is gymnastics performed on a moving horse. Originating as a training exercise for Roman soldiers, it has evolved into a competitive sport that emphasizes harmony between rider and horse. Athletes perform choreographed routines to music.
Underwater Hockey
Also known as Octopush, underwater hockey originated in England during the 1950s as a means for divers to stay fit during the winter. Players push a puck across the pool bottom using a short stick, while wearing snorkeling equipment. The sport emphasizes teamwork and breath control, challenging athletes to maintain composure under pressure.
Roller Sports
Roller sports include disciplines like roller hockey, speed skating, and freestyle skating. These sports challenge athletes to maintain balance and speed on wheels. Competitions can be on tracks, in parks, or on the streets, showcasing a variety of skills and stunts.
Beach Handball
Beach handball is a variant of team handball played on sand. It originated in Italy and Spain in the 1990s and emphasizes speed and agility. The sport involves two teams that attempt to throw a ball into the opponent’s goal, with spectacular dives and jumps adding to the excitement.
Korfball
Invented in the Netherlands in 1902, korfball resembles basketball but is played with mixed-gender teams, promoting equality and cooperation. Players score points by throwing a ball into a high, basket-like korf. The sport’s inclusivity and emphasis on teamwork make it unique among competitive ball games.
Floorball
Floorball is an indoor team sport that is a type of floor hockey with five field players and a goalkeeper on each side. Originating in Sweden in the 1970s, the sport is known for its fast pace and agility. Players use lightweight sticks to maneuver a plastic ball with holes, aiming to score goals against their opponents.
Mike Mitchell
Mike Mitchell is an accomplished author hailing from the scenic landscapes of Colorado. With an academic foundation in economics and sociology, his writings frequently explore societal structures and economic dynamics. When he's not writing or researching business trends, Mike enjoys hitting the rugged trails of the Rockies on his mountain bike.