As I was scrolling through the Olympic schedule last summer, I couldn’t help but marvel at just how many sports and disciplines are packed into those few weeks of global competition. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself wondering at some point—what sports are actually in the Olympics? The answer is more dynamic than you might think. From classic track and field to newly added events like sport climbing and surfing, the Olympic program is a living, breathing entity that evolves with the times. But it’s not just about inclusion—sometimes it’s about controversy, rule changes, and the fine line between victory and voided results. Take, for instance, a situation I came across recently involving a 36-year-old Filipino boxer. In his appeal letter, he asked the commission to either declare him the winner over Navarrete by TKO or declare the bout as no-contest. That kind of appeal sheds light on how subjective and high-stakes Olympic judging can be—something we often overlook when we’re simply enjoying the spectacle.

When you dig into the current Olympic lineup, you’ll find 33 core sports as of the Paris 2024 Games, with several others making guest appearances or being phased out over time. I’ve always had a soft spot for the summer Olympics—there’s something electric about athletics, swimming, and gymnastics that just pulls you in. But let’s not forget the winter edition, with its breathtaking ice hockey matches and ski jumping events that leave me at the edge of my seat. Over the years, the International Olympic Committee has added and removed plenty of events. For example, baseball and softball were dropped after 2008 but made a surprising return in Tokyo 2020. And then there’s breaking—yes, breakdancing—which will debut in Paris. I’ll admit, I’m skeptical about that one, but it shows the IOC’s push to attract younger audiences.

Now, back to that boxing appeal I mentioned earlier. Situations like that Filipino athlete’s petition highlight how results in Olympic sports aren’t always set in stone. In many combat sports—boxing, taekwondo, judo—the difference between a win and a no-contest can come down to a single referee’s call or a video review. I remember watching a controversial judo match in Rio 2016 where a scoring error led to an official protest. It’s messy, but it’s part of the drama. And honestly, I think that uncertainty is part of what makes the Olympics so compelling. We want to believe in fair play and clear outcomes, but the human element—and sometimes, frankly, human error—keeps things interesting. In that Filipino boxer’s case, whether the commission rules in his favor or not, it’ll set a precedent. These appeals aren’t just about one athlete’s fate; they shape how future games are judged.

Let’s talk numbers for a second. Did you know that the Tokyo 2020 Olympics featured 339 events across those 33 sports? That’s up from 306 events in Rio 2016. The expansion isn’t random—it reflects global trends, audience demand, and the IOC’s push for gender equality. For instance, Tokyo 2020 was the first Games where almost 49% of participants were women. I love that progress, and I hope it continues. But with so many events, it’s easy to miss some hidden gems. Take modern pentathlon, for example—a sport that includes fencing, swimming, equestrian, and a final laser-run. It’s one of the oldest Olympic sports, yet many people can’t name all five disciplines. I only learned about it a few years back, and now it’s one of my favorites to follow.

Of course, not every sport stays forever. Some, like tug of war—yes, it was once an Olympic event—have been discontinued. Others, like weightlifting and wrestling, occasionally find themselves on the chopping block due to doping scandals or administrative issues. Personally, I think wrestling is a must-keep. It’s one of the original Olympic sports, dating back to the ancient Games, and it embodies the raw physicality and strategy that the Olympics should represent. But I get why changes happen. The Olympics need to stay relevant, and that means making tough calls. Remember when karate was added in Tokyo? It was a one-time thing, and now it’s gone again. That’s the nature of the beast—the program is always in flux.

When I step back and think about what the Olympics represent, it’s not just a list of sports. It’s stories—like that Filipino boxer fighting not just in the ring, but in appeals committees. It’s the 14-year-old Chinese diver who nails a perfect dive under pressure. It’s the Jamaican sprinter who breaks a world record. These moments are why I keep coming back every two years. So whether you’re a casual viewer or a die-hard fan, I encourage you to explore beyond the marquee events. Check out archery, canoe slalom, or even the new skateboarding competitions. You might discover a new passion. And who knows—the next time you watch the Games, you’ll see more than just medals; you’ll see the heart, the controversy, and the ever-evolving spirit of the Olympics.