Do you know how many sports there are in the Olympics? As of right now, there are 28 Olympic sports and there is scheduled to be 33 in the 2020 Olympics. However, there are a few Olympic sports that not many people know about such as Table Tennis, Trampoline, and BMX Cycling.

     Table Tennis is frequently referenced in the popular movie Forest Gump with his thrilling skills in the sport. His ability to continuously compete in this sport with exceptional skill is one of Forrest Gump’s most loveable traits and kept this character relatable throughout the movie. In fact, Forrest Gump can be credited for making this sport more popular. Table Tennis is similar to ping pong which is commonly played in community or recreational centers across the country. Dating back to the 1800’s, this competition consists of up to four people playing in pairs against one another or playing one-on-one against each other. This event is played by both men and women separately, but the rules are the same for each gender. Olympic Table Tennis is an extremely stressful and high-risk game compared to that of its counterpart, ping pong. In the Olympics, there is a reward of up to $25,000 on the line for receiving the gold medal.

     Despite many people’s disbelief, Trampoline is also an Olympic sport. This sport is a cultivation of the skills required in diving, gymnastics and freestyle skiing. Trampoline is a rigorous sport that requires total body strength and is especially straining on the leg muscles. This sport was first brought into the Olympics in 2000, and its modern techniques have not changed since then. This sport consists of a men’s event and a women’s event that are run exactly the same way, which is very different from the sports similar to it. This sport is set up with two trampolines parallel to each other and two athletes jump simultaneously as they preform their routines.

    The Olympics also showcase another sport unknown to many: BMX Cycling. This thrilling sport started in the late 1960’s and was inspired by motocross, its motorized counterpart. BMX has gained in popularity since its inception due to its low cost and that it provides an outlet for people to let out energy and show off their skills. This exciting sport made its debut in 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The competitions are separated into men and women’s events where eight riders race around a track with obstacles and jumps around each bend. In Beijing, the men’s track was 370m long and 350m long for the women.  

    These enthralling sports showcase the talents and strengths of people from all walks of life, giving them the chance to achieve their aspirations. If you want to see these sports in action, you can be sure to catch them at the 2020 Olympics!