28 Exciting Athletics Games to Try This Year
Are you ready for the most exciting show on Earth? The 2028 Olympics are just around the corner, and boy, do we have a treat for you!
Imagine a giant playground where the world’s best athletes come to show off their stuff. We’re talking about a mega-event that’s part global party, part superhuman showcase, and all awesome!
From the pool to the track, from the court to the field, and even up in the air, we’re about to witness some mind-blowing feats of human ability.
Whether you’re a die-hard sports nut or someone who loves to watch people do incredible things, there’s something here for everyone.
So, grab your snacks, get comfy, and let’s take a whirlwind tour of the Olympic sports, lighting up our screens and blowing our minds in 2028.
Trust me, by the time we’re done, you’ll be marking your calendar and setting your alarms. Let’s dive in!
List of Athletics Games Around the World
1. Aquatics
Picture this: swimmers zooming through the pool like torpedoes, divers doing flips that make your head spin, and water polo players battling it out like basketball in a giant bathtub.
And don’t forget the artistic swimmers—they’re like underwater dancers, creating shapes and patterns that will blow your mind.
It’s not just about being fast or strong – these folks need skills that’ll make your jaw drop. From racing to fancy diving, aquatics has got it all. It’s gonna be a splashing good time!
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| What to Watch | Swimming races, diving shows, water polo matches, artistic swimming |
| Where It Happens | Big Olympic pools |
| What Makes It Cool | Speed, flips, teamwork, and water dance all in one place |
2. Archery
Next up, we’ve got archery. Now, this might look easy on TV, but trust me, it’s tough as nails!
Imagine trying to hit a target smaller than a pizza from as far away as a football field. And you have to do it repeatedly, better than archers worldwide.
These archers have got nerves of steel. They stand there cool as cucumbers while everyone’s watching. Then, whoosh! The arrow flies.
When it hits the bullseye, the crowd goes nuts! It’s like a real-life Robin Hood contest, but way cooler because these are the best archers on the planet.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| The Gear | Fancy bows and arrows |
| How Far They Shoot | It is about as long as a football field |
| What’s the Goal | Hit a tiny target, again and again |
3. Athletics
Athletics is like the superstar of the Olympics. It has everything—running, jumping, throwing, you name it!
Watch sprinters zoom down the track so fast you might miss them if you blink. Then there’s the long-distance runners who keep going and going like the Energizer Bunny.
And don’t even get me started on the jumpers! These folks leap so high and far you’d think they had springs in their shoes.
Then there are the throwers, chucking javelins, discuses, and huge metal balls farther than you can imagine.
It’s like a showcase of everything the human body can do. Get ready to be amazed!
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| What You’ll See | Sprints, marathons, high jumps, long jumps, throws |
| Where It Happens | Big stadium with a track and field |
| Why It’s Awesome | Shows off all kinds of human abilities |
4. Badminton
Badminton is like tennis on steroids. It looks gentle and easy, but boy, is it fast!
Players whack a feathery thing called a shuttlecock back and forth over a high net. And let me tell you, that shuttlecock moves like greased lightning!
These players need cat-like reflexes and the stamina of a marathon runner. They jump, dive, and swing their rackets as their lives depend on them.
It’s a game of strategy, too. Players try to outsmart each other with tricky shots and sneaky plays. When you see it live, you’ll wonder how they even see that shuttlecock, let alone hit it!
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| How to Play | Hit the shuttlecock over the net |
| Who Plays | Singles or doubles |
| What Makes It Cool | Super fast and needs quick thinking |
5. Baseball
Baseball’s back in the Olympics, folks! It’s America’s pastime gone global.
Two teams face off in a battle of hits, catches, and home runs. The pitcher tries to outsmart the batter while fielders stand ready to catch any fly balls.
It’s a game of strategy and suspense. One big hit can change everything, and you never know when someone’s gonna knock it out of the park.
Even if you don’t know all the rules, there’s something magical about the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd when someone slides into home. It’s like a summer afternoon turned into a sport!
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Teams | Two teams of nine players each |
| Playing Field | Diamond-shaped field with bases |
| Highlight | The excitement of a home run |
6. Basketball
Basketball at the Olympics is like a global street ball tournament with the best players from around the world.
Five players on each team dribble, pass, and shoot their way to victory. It’s fast, it’s furious, and it’s full of high-flying action.
You’ll see players leaping for slam dunks, sinking three-pointers from downtown, and making passes so slick you’ll wonder if they’ve got eyes in the back of their heads.
The crowd goes wild with every play, and the energy in the arena is electric. It’s like the whole world is holding its breath with every shot. Get ready for some serious hoops action!
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Team Size | Five players per team on the court |
| Court | Indoor hardwood court |
| Crowd-Pleaser | Slam dunks and three-pointers |
7. Canoe
Canoeing at the Olympics is like watching a water rodeo. You’ve got two main types: the calm and the crazy.
In sprint canoeing, athletes power through still water like their paddles are on fire. It’s all about raw speed and power.
Then there’s the wild ride of slalom canoeing. Paddlers navigate through a rushing river, dodging poles and battling the current. It’s like a water obstacle course on steroids!
Whether it’s the neck-and-neck sprint races or the heart-pounding slalom runs, canoeing will keep you on the edge of your seat. What are you waiting for? This is going to be awesome!
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Types | Sprint and Slalom |
| Vessels | Canoes and Kayaks |
| Thrills | Speed in sprints, agility in slalom |
8. Cricket
Cricket’s making its Olympic debut! This bat-and-ball game is huge in some parts of the world, and now everyone gets to see why.
Two teams face off in a contest of batting, bowling (that’s pitching for you baseball fans), and fielding. It’s like a chess match played out on a big oval field.
You’ll see batters smacking the ball all over the place, bowlers trying every trick to get them out, and fielders making diving catches that’ll have you jumping out of your seat.
It might seem complicated at first, but you’ll be hooked once you get into it. It’s a game of strategy, skill, and sometimes, hours of nail-biting suspense. It was a good show!
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Team Size | Eleven players per team |
| Playing Time | Can last hours or even days! |
| Key Plays | Big hits, wickets, and amazing catches |
9. Cycling
Cycling at the Olympics is like a two-wheeled extravaganza. It’s not just one event, it’s a whole bunch!
You’ve got road races where cyclists zoom through city streets and countryside. Then there’s track cycling in a special indoor arena called a velodrome – it’s like NASCAR on bikes!
Don’t forget mountain biking, where riders tackle tough off-road trails. And BMX? It’s like a roller coaster made into a sport!
From speed demons to trick masters, cycling’s got something for everyone. It’s going to be wheely, wheely good!
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Types | Road, Track, Mountain, BMX |
| Gear | High-tech bikes for each discipline |
| Excitement | Speed, tricks, and off-road thrills |
10. Equestrian
Equestrian events are where horses become Olympic athletes, too! It’s like a dance partnership between a human and a horse.
You’ve got dressage, where horse and rider perform a super fancy routine. It’s like ballet, but with horses!
Then there’s show jumping, where they leap over obstacles in a race against the clock. It’s like hurdles, but bigger and horsier!
And don’t forget eventing – it’s like a triathlon for horse and rider. They do dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. It’s the ultimate test of horse and human teamwork!
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Events | Dressage, Show Jumping, Eventing |
| Stars | Both riders and horses |
| Cool Factor | Seeing humans and animals work as one |
11. Fencing
En garde! Fencing is like a lightning-fast game of tag with swords. It’s part sport, part art, and all excitement!
Two fencers face off on a narrow strip, trying to score hits on each other with their weapons. They lunge, parry, and riposte faster than you can blink.
There are three types of weapons – foil, épée, and saber – each with its own rules and style. It’s like watching three different sword-fighting movies at once!
With electronic scoring and metallic jackets, it’s an old-school sport with a high-tech twist.
It’s going to be sharp entertainment!
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Weapons | Foil, Épée, Sabre |
| Playing Area | A narrow strip called a piste |
| Excitement | Lightning-fast attacks and defenses |
12. Flag Football
Flag football is making its Olympic debut, bringing a taste of American football to the world stage.
It’s like regular football, but defenders pull flags from the ball carrier’s waist instead of tackling. It’s all the strategy and excitement of football but with less ouch!
You’ll see quarterbacks making amazing throws, receivers making acrobatic catches, and defenders trying to snatch those flags. It’s fast, fun, and a whole new ball game for the Olympics!
Get ready for some flag-tastic action that’ll have you cheering for touchdowns and fantastic flag pulls!
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Team Size | Usually 5-on-5 |
| Scoring | Touchdowns and extra points |
| Key Difference | Pulling flags instead of tackling |
13. Football (Soccer)
The beautiful game is back at the Olympics! For a reason, football, or soccer as some folks call it, is the world’s most popular sport.
Two teams of 11 players each try to kick a ball into the other team’s goal. Sounds simple, right? But it’s the fancy footwork, strategic passes, and goal-scoring kicks that make it amazing.
You’ll see players dribbling past defenders like they’re dancing, making passes so perfect you’d think they had GPS, and scoring goals that’ll make you jump out of your seat.
With nations from all over the globe competing, it’s like a mini World Cup. Get ready for some serious “GOOOAAAL!” moments!
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Team Size | 11 players per side |
| Playing Time | Two 45-minute halves |
| Highlight | Spectacular goals and saves |
14. Golf
Golf is swinging back into Olympic action! It’s a game of precision, patience, and occasionally muttering at little white balls.
Players use a variety of clubs to hit a tiny ball into an even smaller hole hundreds of yards away. And they’ve got to do it in as few shots as possible, over 18 different holes!
You’ll see drives that soar through the air, chips that land softly on the green, and putts that somehow find their way home. It’s like a high-stakes game of miniature golf but without the windmills.
With the world’s best golfers competing, every swing could be the difference between gold and going home.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Course | 18 holes of varying difficulty |
| Scoring | Lowest total number of strokes wins |
| Excitement | Long drives and clutch putts |
15. Gymnastics
Gymnastics is like watching superheroes in action. These athletes flip, twist, and fly through the air in ways that defy gravity!
You’ve got events like the floor exercise, where gymnasts tumble and dance across a spring-loaded floor.
Then there’s the balance beam – four inches wide and four feet off the ground. It’s like walking a tightrope but with flips!
Don’t forget the high-flying acts on the uneven bars and rings or the gravity-defying vaults. And the pommel horse? It’s like watching someone do a breakdance on a leather-covered bench!
With a mix of strength, flexibility, and more guts than you can imagine, gymnastics is sure to leave you flipping out!
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Events | Floor, Beam, Bars, Vault, Rings, Pommel Horse |
| Judging | Based on difficulty and execution |
| Wow Factor | Incredible feats of strength and agility |
16. Handball
Imagine basketball and soccer had a baby, and you’ve got a handball! It’s fast, it’s furious, and it’s a whole lot of fun.
Two teams try to throw a ball into the other team’s goal. Sounds simple, right? But here’s the catch – you can only take three steps before you have to pass or shoot. It’s like a game of hot potato, but with more diving saves and high-flying shots.
Players leap, spin, and dive all over the court. Goalkeepers make saves that’ll have you wondering if they’re part octopus. It’s non-stop action from start to finish!
Don’t blink, or you might miss a lightning-fast pass or a bullet of a shot. Handball’s going to keep you on the edge of your seat!
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Team Size | 7 players per side on court |
| Court | Indoor court, smaller than basketball |
| Excitement | Fast breaks and acrobatic shots |
17. Hockey
No, not ice hockey – we’re talking field hockey here! It’s like ice hockey’s cousin who prefers grass to ice.
Players use curved sticks to whack a small, hard ball around the field, trying to score goals. It’s fast, it’s skillful, and it’s tougher than it looks.
You’ll see players dribbling the ball with more control than a magician, making passes that seem to have eyes, and taking shots that could break the sound barrier.
And don’t even get me started on penalty corners – they’re like free kicks in soccer but with more danger and drama.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Team Size | 11 players per side |
| Field | Grass or artificial turf |
| Cool Factor | Skillful dribbling and powerful shots |
18. Judo
Judo’s like a chess match, but instead of moving pieces, you’re throwing people! It’s a Japanese martial art about using your opponent’s energy against them.
Two judokas (that’s what judo athletes are called) face off, trying to throw each other or pin them down. It’s like watching human origami – how they fold and flip each other is mind-bending!
You’ll see throws making you go “Whoa!”, hold-downs that look impossible to escape, and lightning-fast submissions. It’s a battle of strength, skill, and strategy all rolled into one.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Match Length | Up to 4 minutes |
| Winning Moves | Throws, pins, submissions |
| Cool Factor | Spectacular throws and quick thinking |
19. Lacrosse
Lacrosse is making its Olympic debut, bringing speed, skill, and a bit of controlled chaos to the Games!
Players use sticks with nets on the end to catch, carry, and pass a small rubber ball. The goal?
You have to chuck that ball into the opponent’s net more times than they do to yours.
It’s like hockey, basketball, and soccer all rolled into one wild game. You’ll see bullet-fast shots, mind-bending passes, and defensive moves that spin your head.
With non-stop action and scores that can flip faster than a coin, lacrosse will be a thrilling addition to the Olympic lineup!
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Team Size | 10 players per side |
| Equipment | Stick with net (crosse), small rubber ball |
| Excitement | Fast breaks and acrobatic goals |
20. Modern Pentathlon
Modern Pentathlon is like the decathlon’s quirky cousin. It’s not one event, not two, but five different sports all smooshed together!
Athletes compete in fencing, swimming, show jumping (on a horse they’ve just met!), and a final combined event of pistol shooting and cross-country running. They couldn’t decide on a sport, so they said, “Eh, let’s do ’em all!”
It tests speed, endurance, accuracy, and the ability to make friends with a horse in 20 minutes. From sword fights to horseback rides, it’s a wild journey from start to finish.
Modern Pentathlon will be your jam if you like your sports with a side of variety!
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Events | Fencing, swimming, show jumping, shooting, running |
| Duration | One action-packed day |
| Unique Factor | Variety of skills needed |
21. Rowing
Rowing is like a drag race on water but with oars instead of engines. It’s all about power, timing, and teamwork.
You’ve got different boats – singles, doubles, fours, and eights – all racing to the finish line. The rowers move in perfect sync, their oars slicing through the water like hot knives through butter.
It looks graceful, but don’t be fooled – these athletes are working harder than a one-armed wallpaper hanger! Their legs pump like pistons, their arms pull like they’re trying to start a stubborn lawnmower.
From the starting horn to the photo finish, rowing will be an adrenaline-pumping, water-splashing spectacle!
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Boat Types | Singles, doubles, fours, eights |
| Race Distance | Usually 2000 meters |
| Cool Factor | Teamwork and raw power |
22. Rugby
Rugby’s back in the Olympics, bringing its unique blend of strategy, speed, and controlled mayhem to the world stage!
This version is Rugby Sevens – seven players per team instead of the usual 15, making for a faster, more explosive game. It’s like they took regular rugby and strapped a rocket to it!
Players pass, kick, and run with an oval ball, trying to touch it down in the opponent’s goal area. There’s tackling fancy footwork and more action than you can shake a stick at.
With matches lasting just 14 minutes, every second counts. Blink, and you might miss a game-changing play.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Team Size | 7 players per side |
| Match Length | Two 7-minute halves |
| Excitement | Quick scores and big tackles |
23. Sailing
Sailing is like a high-stakes game of chess on water. It’s all about strategy, skill, and sometimes a bit of luck with the wind.
Different types of boats race around a course marked by buoys. Sailors have to read the wind, navigate the waves, and outmaneuver their opponents. It’s like they’re speaking a secret language with the sea!
You’ll see them leaning way out over the water (it’s called hiking, and no, they’re not falling), adjusting sails faster than you can say “ahoy,” and making turns tighter than your grandma’s hairpin.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Boat Classes | Various, from small dinghies to larger keelboats |
| Race Venue | Open water courses |
| Cool Factor | Harnessing the wind and waves |
24. Shooting
Shooting is where steady hands and eagle eyes come into play. It’s all about precision, focus, and nerves of steel.
Athletes use rifles, pistols, and shotguns to hit targets that sometimes look smaller than a pinhead from where they’re standing. It’s like threading a needle, but the needle’s far away, and you’re using a bullet instead of thread!
You’ve got different events – somewhere the targets are stationary, others where they’re moving. In some events, they even shoot clay discs out of the sky!
It might not look as flashy as some other sports, but the concentration and skill involved will blow your mind.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Disciplines | Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun |
| Target Types | Paper targets, clay targets |
| Cool Factor | Incredible precision and focus |
25. Skateboarding
Skateboarding’s bringing its street cred to the Olympics once again, and it’s gonna be rad!
There are two main events: street, where skaters tackle stairs, rails, and ramps, and park, where they shred in a big bowl full of curves and corners.
They’ve turned city streets and empty swimming pools into a playground!
Skaters pull off tricks that make you wonder if gravity took a day off. They flip, spin, grind, and soar through the air, making it look as easy as a walk in the park.
From kickflips to McTwists, skateboarding will bring a new flavor to the Olympics.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Events | Street and Park |
| Judging | Based on difficulty, style, and creativity |
| Cool Factor | Gravity-defying tricks and urban style |
26. Softball
Softball’s back in the Olympic lineup, bringing fast-pitch excitement to the diamond!
It’s like baseball’s cousin—similar rules, but with a bigger ball, smaller field, and windmill-style pitching that’ll make your arm hurt just watching it.
The ball comes in so fast that batters have to start their swing before the pitcher even releases it!
Seven innings of non-stop action, with diving catches, lightning-fast throws, and home runs that’ll have you jumping out of your seat.
And don’t even get me started on the strategy – it’s like a chess match, but with more dirt and sweat.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Team Size | 9 players per side |
| Game Length | 7 innings |
| Excitement | Fast-paced plays and strategic showdowns |
27. Sport Climbing
Sport Climbing is like watching Spider-Man in real life, minus the spandex and web shooters.
There are three events: speed climbing (race to the top), bouldering (solving climbing puzzles), and lead climbing (climbing as high as you can). It’s a test of speed, problem-solving, and sheer finger strength.
Climbers scale walls faster than you can run upstairs, solve routes that look impossible, and hang from holds smaller than your pinky toe. It’s like they’ve got super glue on their hands and feet!
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Disciplines | Speed, Bouldering, Lead |
| Scoring | Combined results from all three disciplines |
| Wow Factor | Gravity-defying moves and problem-solving |
28. Squash
Squash is making its Olympic debut, bringing its fast-paced, high-energy game to the world stage!
Two players in a small room, whacking a little rubber ball against the front wall – sounds simple, right? But it’s like playing tennis while standing in an elevator with your opponent!
The ball can zoom around at over 170 mph, bouncing off all four walls. Players lunge, dive, and twist to return shots, often doing the splits or pirouettes. It’s like a combination of tennis, gymnastics, and chess, all at 100 miles an hour.
With rallies that can last for dozens of shots and strategies that change faster than a chameleon on a disco floor, squash will be a smashing addition to the Olympics!
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Court | Enclosed room with four walls |
| Scoring | Best of five games, each to 11 points |
| Excitement | Fast-paced rallies and strategic play |
Final Thoughts
We’ve ziplined through a forest of Olympic sports, each one more exciting than the last.
But here’s the thing – we’ve only scratched the surface. Each sport has its world of drama, personal stories, and incredible moments waiting to unfold.
And the best part? You get to witness it all!
So, whether you’re cheering for your country, rooting for the underdogs, or just watching in awe as humans push the boundaries of what’s possible, the Olympics have something special for you.
It’s more than just games—it’s a celebration of the human spirit, determination, and the sheer joy of sport.
Mark your calendars. 2028 is going to be a year to remember.
