Rio 2016: Try a new sport!
- August 2nd, 2016
- Camilla Chapman
So you may be more interested in watching the big superstars, such as Usain Bolt, but the Olympics is the perfect time to get watching and trying a new sport! With 31 sports on show during the next fortnight in Rio, why not have a watch at a completely new sport? Here is our guide to the sports you should be giving a watch in Brazil!
BMX
Since debuting in the 2008 Beijing games, BMX Cycling has become an exciting feature in the Olympics. With plenty of great racing, big jumps and racers hitting high speeds, you'll be in for a treat with this intense and exciting sport! At the Rio games, there'll be a men's and women's competition. Look out for reigning world champion Joris Daudet and Britain's Liam Phillips in the men's section, as well as Colombian Mariana Pajón in the women's races, who is also current world and reigning Olympic champion from London 2012.
Canoeing
Athletes race across the currents in the canoe slalom as competitors take to the white-water course, navigating through different gates as fast as they can and avoiding any penalties. Rio also has the canoe sprint events on offer, where athletes do battle across flat, open water, all bidding to become the Usain Bolt of canoeing. Both events are bound to throw up plenty of intense races!
Diving
In this sport, the finer details are everything. One miscalculation or overturn could snatch an Olympic medal away from you, as divers bid to jump from various different heights with the cleanest and most technically difficult dives, performing a number of aerial aerobatics. The 10m platform final is the blue ribboned event of the sport, with Tom Daley hoping to upgrade his bronze from London 2012 to gold in Rio.
Judo
In this intense sport, one perfectly executed move could swing a match in your favour, making it a sport of margins and often patience. With seven different events in both the men's and women's competitions, there is plenty of Judo to enjoy at Rio 2016; keep an eye out in particularly for American star Kayla Harrison.
Make sure you keep up to date with all the action by checking out the official Rio 2016 website where you'll also be able to find more information on all these sports and many more on show doing the Olympic Games!
Image Copyright: strangerview / 123RF Stock Photo