10 Olympic Sports That You Didn’t Know Existed
While many of the Olympic staples, such as swimming, gymnastics, and track and field, will be present, many offbeat sports will also debut this year. From karate to surfing, here are 10 Olympic sports that you probably didn’t know existed.
1. Karate
Karate is a martial art that originated in the Okinawa islands of Japan. It emphasizes punches, kicks, and open-handed techniques such as strikes and blocks. Karate was first introduced as a demonstration sport at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul and will make its official debut as an Olympic sport in Tokyo this year.
2. Surfing
While most people associate surfing with warm tropical beaches, the truth is that surfers can catch waves anywhere there is a body of water and a decent wind. Surfing will make its debut as an Olympic sport in Tokyo this year, with athletes competing in both shortboard and longboard divisions.
3. Skateboarding
Like surfing, skateboarding is another activity that will make its debut at the Tokyo Olympics. There are two skateboarding events on the lineup – street skateboarding and park skateboarding. Street skateboarding will take place on a temporary course set up within the confines of the Athletes’ Village, while park skateboarding will be held at Ariake Urban Sports Park.
4. Sport Climbing
Sport climbing is similar to rock climbing, but with one key difference – climbers use chalk to help them grip the holds and are also allowed to use protective equipment such as bolts and ropes. Three main climbing disciplines – lead climbing, speed climbing, and bouldering – will be featured at the Tokyo Olympics.
5. Baseball/Softball
Baseball has been an Olympic sport since 1992, but softball was dropped from the lineup after 2008 due to a lack of interest from professional leagues around the world. Baseball/softball will make its return to the Olympics this year as a single combined event.
6. Cycling – BMX Racing
BMX racing made its debut as an Olympic sport at the 2008 Beijing Games. The event consists of eight riders competing on a dirt track filled with jumps and berms. The first rider to cross the finish line wins gold; silver goes to second place, and bronze to third place.
7. Judo
Judo is a Japanese martial art that originated in the late 19th century. It was first introduced as an Olympic sport in 1964 and has been featured at every Summer Olympics since then. Judo involves throws and takedowns to score points against your opponent.
8. Rugby Sevens
Rugby sevens is a variation of traditional rugby union that features teams of seven players instead of 15 players . It was first played at the 2016 Summer Olympics . Rugby sevens is considered to be one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.
9. Fencing – Epee
The epee is one of three fencing weapons used in competitive fencing (the other two being the foil and the saber). Epee fencing made its debut at the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens; women’s epee fencing was added to the lineup in 1924.”]
10. Trampoline Gymnastics
Trampoline gymnastics made its debut as an official Olympic sport in Sydney in 2000; prior to that, it had been a demonstration event at multiple Olympiads dating back to 1936.
Final Thoughts:
From surfing and skateboarding to karate and sport climbing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So get out there and root for your favorite athletes! Who knows – you might just discover your new favorite sport in the process!
