We get it, he’s good… Credit: WENN

I’ve always liked the Olympics, especially watching the strange events, the events that don’t get the headlines. Unfortunately, if you only get regular NBC (like I do) that means that you probably aren’t going to see any of those events. And unfortunately this year, it also means you probably aren’t going to see even some of the more normal events (unless you stay up till 3 in the morning), especially if there isn’t an American up for a medal.

Whenever I turn on the Olympics this year, I feel like I keep seeing the same sports and I feel like I’ve missed many of my favorites that I remember watching growing up (when we still only had regular NBC). Ugh

This frustration has inspired the following list - the Top 5 Over-broadcast Olympic Sports and 5 Alternatives

What’s your fav Olympic event?

1) Over-broadcast Sport : Water Polo - Every time I turn on the television, especially during the day, water polo is on. Which besides the lack of variety, is just kinda boring. You can’t really tell what is happening and thus far it hasn’t been very intense. They just keep scoring. Maybe is there were more underwater shots?

Alternative : Any track and field event that isn’t running - I’ve yet to see any discus, high-jump, pole vault, long-jump etc.. And this sucks! Those events showcase strength, skill and are just plain fun to watch. Apparently there are no US Men in the long jump and high jump finals, which is probably why it hasn’t been talked about or shown very much… Ugh. Long jump and high jump videos after the jump.

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2) Over-broadcast Sport : Men’s Beach Volleyball - Seriously, it’s always on. Seriously it doesn’t need to be. They show it uninterrupted - all 3 rounds - while other sports don’t get 5 minutes.

Alternative : Weightlifting - I don’t think I’ve seen anyone lift a weight this entire Olympics. It’s pretty darn amazing watching what our bodies are capable of in the strength department. Also, they make great noises and faces here - better than any other event I’m pretty sure:

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3) Over-broadcast : Women’s Beach Volleyball - Read above - just imagine ladies instead of men.

Alternative : Equestrian - Horses are awesome. Watching them jump and dance is even more awesome. Just watch the video below - you’ll see what I mean:

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4) Over-broadcast Sport : Michael Phelps - Did we really need to see a bazillion shots of Michael Phelps listening to his iPod before a race? Did we need to spend what felt like countless hours discussing his records? Couldn’t we have been celebrating another athletes triumph?

Alternative : Synchronized Swimming - Did you know synchronized swimmers never touch the ground during their routines? That means all of those tricks they’re doing are powered from their raw strength. It’s pretty incredible to think they can propel themselves out of the water without any help from the grounf. Also, they have the best outfits of any sport… See below:

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5) Over-broadcast Sport : Basketball - I know the redeem team is pretty great - but we get to watch a lot of basketball here is the US. It’s on all winter. When do we get to see judo, fencing, table tennis, handball and the sport below?

Alternative : Archery - They’re is something captivating about watching people aim arrows into targets. On some level it seems like it must be one of the most difficult events - I don’t think there’s any drug you can take to enhance your performance - you just have to have the right moves.

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And to support an Olympics of a different kind entirely, takepart and learn about Mia Farrow’s Alternative Olympics that are working to bring awareness about the situation in Darfur.

Read on:

• Parting the Murky Waters of Race in the Swimming Pool
• Synchronized Swimming Gets Olympic Treatment in Sync or Swim
• Gymnasts? Give Me Bela Karolyi Instead