For sports fans, the focus typically falls on the “big three” when it comes to watching games: football, basketball, and hockey. Of course there is soccer, boxing, and baseball but the focus and talk generally always fall back on the big three.

However there are so many other sports out there that are incredibly underrated and worth the watch. So let’s talk about the top 3 sports that I believe deserve more attention and might just become your next favourite when your team isn’t playing.

• Dance 

And for those who want to disagree that dance isn’t a sport, let’s talk about what makes a sport a sport. “An activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment”. – Oxford Dictionary. So ya, dance is most definitely a sport. Now that we have that covered let’s talk about it. I’ve never been one to watch dance, to be honest I didn’t even realize it was broadcasted till last weekend. But wow. The University Nationals were last weekend in the States and it was simply so amazing. Each team brought their own style and energy which made each and every dance so captivating to watch. The skills all the dancers had were mesmerizing and made me wish that I had that rhythm. 

• Speed Skating

The thing that draws me in about speed skating is each skater’s technique. Some come right out of the gate swinging, lapping the other skaters faster than they can comprehend, while most stick with the pack and finish strong on the last couple of laps. It really makes you question the thought process that goes through their mind and the different coaching styles. My friends and I joke around and compare it to horse racing because it just laps at the end of the day.

• Horse Racing

And that brings me into actual horse racing. I actually got into watching horse racing a couple summers ago just down at the Hastings Race Course in Burnaby. This is definitely a sport that makes you want to bet all your money away but the energy at the course on a summer day is something else. Getting all fancy with friends + putting your money down on the horse that you like the best without doing any real research = a perfect day. 

So next time your team is on a bye week or even a losing streak and you’re endlessly flipping through TV channels, look for one of these sports and I bet you will become hooked.