A Complete Guide: What Are the Sports in the Olympics and How to Watch Them
I still remember sitting in my living room during the last Olympics, completely captivated by the sheer diversity of sports unfolding before me. As someone who's studied athletic competitions for over a decade, I've always been fascinated by how the Olympic Games bring together such an incredible variety of sports—from the mainstream to the obscure. The truth is, many viewers only tune in for the big events like gymnastics or swimming, but they're missing out on so much more. According to my research, the Tokyo 2020 Games featured 33 sports divided into 46 disciplines with 339 events—that's a staggering number of competitions happening simultaneously across different venues.
When I first started watching the Olympics seriously back in 2008, I'll admit I was completely lost about many of the sports. I mean, who really understands the scoring system in dressage or the intricate rules of modern pentathlon without some guidance? Over the years, I've developed my own system for watching the Games that maximizes both enjoyment and understanding. What I've discovered is that having a basic knowledge of each sport's fundamentals completely transforms the viewing experience. Take water polo, for instance—once you understand the positions and basic strategies, what might initially look like chaotic splashing becomes a fascinating display of athleticism and tactics.
The reference from Alba about being a backup player actually resonates deeply with how many Olympic sports operate. "Iniisip ko nung time na yun na back-up lang talaga ako. Given na nasa harap talaga si ate (Sisi Rondina), talagang pumursiyento lang ako. Hindi ko lang in-expect pero ready ako," she said. This mindset reflects the reality for many athletes in team sports or those with multiple participants—they might not be the star, but their readiness and dedication matter tremendously. I've noticed this particularly in sports like volleyball or basketball, where bench players can completely change the game's momentum when given the opportunity.
Let me share my personal approach to watching the Olympics, which I've refined over four Olympic cycles. First, I always prioritize sports I rarely get to see during non-Olympic years—things like handball, archery, and table tennis. These hidden gems often provide the most memorable moments precisely because they're unfamiliar. Second, I use the official Olympic app to track specific athletes rather than just following my home country's team. This has led me to appreciate incredible performances from athletes worldwide that I might otherwise have missed. Third, I always try to watch at least one complete match or race from every sport category—yes, even the ones I don't initially find appealing.
The beauty of modern Olympic viewing lies in the flexibility technology provides. Unlike the old days when you were limited to whatever NBC decided to broadcast, today's streaming options let you customize your experience completely. Personally, I prefer watching through the official Olympic channel on YouTube TV, which offers multiple simultaneous streams and comprehensive coverage. During the last Summer Games, I calculated that I watched approximately 187 hours of coverage across 28 different sports—though I'll admit my sleep schedule suffered considerably as a result.
Some sports have genuinely surprised me with how engaging they turned out to be. I never thought I'd become fascinated with sports climbing until I watched it during Tokyo 2020, and now it's one of my must-watch events. Similarly, skateboarding's Olympic debut completely changed my perception of what constitutes an Olympic sport. These newer additions bring such fresh energy to the Games while maintaining that classic Olympic spirit. My personal favorite remains athletics—there's something primal and magnificent about watching humans push the absolute limits of speed and endurance.
What many casual viewers don't realize is how dramatically different sports can be in their Olympic format compared to regular competitions. In basketball, you're watching essentially the same game as the NBA, but with different rules and international styles that create unique dynamics. Meanwhile, sports like soccer feature primarily youth teams rather than full senior squads, which creates an entirely different competitive landscape. Understanding these nuances has completely transformed how I appreciate each sport's Olympic iteration.
The emotional component of watching the Olympics cannot be overstated. I've found myself crying during weightlifting competitions and cheering wildly for badminton matches—sports I'd never otherwise engage with. There's something about the Olympic context that elevates every performance, regardless of the sport's popularity. I've developed particular affection for underdog athletes and less-publicized sports over the years, finding their stories often more compelling than the heavily marketed headline events.
As we look toward future Games, I'm excited about potential new sports being added. Breakdancing will make its debut in Paris 2024, and while some traditionalists might scoff, I think it's fantastic that the Olympics continues to evolve. The inclusion reflects how the Games remain relevant across generations while maintaining their core values. My advice to new viewers is simple: be adventurous in your viewing choices, do minimal research about the basic rules beforehand, and don't be afraid to develop unexpected favorites.
Ultimately, the Olympic experience is what you make of it. Whether you're a casual viewer who only tunes in for the opening ceremony or a dedicated enthusiast like myself who plans viewing schedules months in advance, there's room for everyone in this global celebration of sport. The key is approaching it with curiosity and openness—you might just discover your new favorite sport or athlete when you least expect it. After all, as Alba's experience shows, sometimes being ready for unexpected opportunities—whether as an athlete or viewer—leads to the most rewarding experiences of all.
