If you’ve been paying any attention at all to the 2008 Summer Olympics, its more than likely that you’re familiar with some of the more popular events like Swimming, Gymnastics, Track & Field, and Basketball, but what about the events that don’t get that prime-time coverage on NBC? Here’s a tribute to the 5 most obscure Sports at the Beijing Olympics.

#5 BMX Biking
Once relegated to a small but dedicated following at the X-Games, in 2008 BMX Racing became the newest Olympic Sport. BMX Racing involves using customized bicycles, usually featuring 20 inch wheels, to race around a dirt track which often feature multiple jumps and other challenges. According to the official Beijing Olympics website: “The Olympic BMX track, which is approximately 300 to 400 meters in length, features high technical jumps and other obstacles designed for the top-level riders of the BMX racing.”

Think: a nice bike ride on a dirt path + Mountain Dew

#4 Yachting
When I think of yachting, I think of it as an activity enjoyed by old men (think: Hugh Hefner) with goofy looking caps on a lazy Saturday afternoon. It turns out yachting is actually an Olympic sport. In fact there are even four different categories of events for men and women, as well as three mixed events. Olympic yachting generally takes the form of a race to cross the finish line between numerous vessels, which require each vessel to navigate around multiple buoys without interfering with competitors.

Think: sailing on steroids

#3 Field Hockey
Hockey is a summer Olympics sport? Apparently when anyone outside of North America and Eastern Europe refer to Hockey, they’re talking about field hockey. Field Hockey is played between two teams of 11 players (10 position players and a keeper). Players battle to hit a small plastic ball into a goal by using a stick; shaped much like those used in Ice Hockey. The similarities end there. In field hockey only the Keeper is allowed to touch the ball with their body, and even they are not allowed to catch the ball or bring it to a dead stop. Also, goals are only counted if they are scored from within a semi-circle which extends roughly 20 yards from the goal. International men’s Field Hockey has historically been dominated by natural rivals Indian and Pakistan, although in recent years European and Australian teams have challenged their dominance. The women’s sport is dominated by Australia, although India and China also are known to put together strong teams.

Think: Ice Hockey (without the skates) + Soccer + Lacrosse

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