Here’s where the WordPress folks need to pay a little better attention. This would have been a perfect question two months ago — right before or during the Winter Olympics. But these questions run on schedules, and apparently the schedule matters more than timing, because right now almost nobody is actively thinking about the Olympics.
That said, I like watching almost anything competitive.
I’ve even found myself pulled into events I never expected to care about — curling, for example, which somehow turns sweeping ice into compelling television, and even break dancing, provided Raygun isn’t involved.
And I’m especially looking forward to Olympic flag football in 2028 Summer Olympics, partly because I already have a soft spot for it as a high school flag football official. That one feels like it was added specifically to catch my attention.
I was definitely tuned in when our hockey teams brought home gold. Honestly, if the United States is competing, I’m usually at least interested enough to stop and watch.
There are exceptions.
Synchronized swimming? No.
Rhythmic gymnastics? Also no.
Handball looks like someone invented a sport by blending lacrosse and soccer during lunch break and deciding the rules later. At least lacrosse itself will finally be included in 2028, which makes far more sense.
And modern pentathlon? That one may be the strangest of all — fencing, shooting, riding, swimming, and running. There is absolutely nothing modern about that combination. It might have felt modern a century ago, but today it mostly feels like a competition designed by someone who owned a horse and distrusted ordinary people.
And really — outside of wealthy families in upstate New York — who exactly grows up prepared for all five?
In the end, if it involves competition, national pride, and somebody trying to do something difficult under pressure, I’ll probably watch at least a little of it.
Copyright © 2026 Doug DeBolt.
