Summer Olympics 2012: Race Walking and More Bizarre Events Worth Watching

One of the great things about the Olympics is that it puts events in the forefront that you would never be exposed to in other areas.

Now, there is a reason these sports don't get exposure: they aren't particularly entertaining. But, in short bursts and sporadic appearances, they can be fun to watch—if for nothing else than their odd uniqueness. 

Race Walking

The entire premise of this sport is goofy. It is the quest to see who can go the fastest, without actually trying to go their fastest. But that is also what can make this compelling. 

As walkers plod through the long course, with endless steps falling down heel to toe, the temptation to run must be nearly impossible to resist. 

These competitors can see others just slightly in front of them, but they cannot run to catch them. But let's not just discuss this in dramatic terms. It is also worth a quick view just to witness the "unique" way these athletes walk. 

The thought of watching race walking every day is terrible.

Once every four years, it is worth at least 10 minutes of entertainment. 

Trampoline

Most of us have jumped on trampolines in the backyard. Unless you are a freak of nature, like the ones doing this in the Olympics, your experience was nothing like what these athletes are doing. 

For starters, theses trampolines aren't the round, net-lined affairs in backyards. These are taught, rectangle platforms designed to launch people into the clouds. 

The height and hang time these competitors get is insane, and all while doing a series of flips, twists and moves I don't even know what to call—and they just keep doing them. There is no pause. There is just jump after jump. 

This event can get a little repetitive if watched long enough, but once every four years it is a delight. 

Handball 

This sport is like a cross of basketball and lacrosse. It is fast moving and intense. It is a nice mix of precision, power and teamwork. 

Goals come fast and furious, and seemingly no lead is ever safe. 

This sport is certainly more traditional in style than the previous two, but it still is not going to grace TV screens outside of the Olympics.