When it comes to the Olympics, everyone tunes into basketball, soccer and even tennis.

But beyond the major sports are some incredibly competitive under-the-radar ones.

Although these sports don't always get the air time they deserve, they are downright fun to watch and even more difficult to compete in.

These three definitely deserve to be watched come game time. 

 

Wrestling 

When Americans hear the word wrestling, we think of Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock slugging it out in the middle of the ring. 

For the rest of the world, wrestling is a whole other ballgame. 

According to the official 2012 Olympics website, wrestling is one of the world’s oldest sports. In fact, it dates all the way back to the ancient Olympics of 708 BC. 

There are two styles, Greco-Roman and Freestyle, which bring their own set of challenges. 

Greco-Roman was featured at the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 before Freestyle was introduced at the 1904 Olympics.

While both styles require incredible strength, technique, conditioning and flexibility, there is a distinct difference between the two.

 

In Greco-Roman wrestling, the competitors may only use their upper bodies and arms. In contrast, freestyle wrestling has no limitations on what body parts can be used.

This year’s Olympics features 344 wrestlers competing for 18 medals.

Considering how poorly the United States performed in Beijing, this year should be about redemption. 

In 2008, the United States managed to win one gold and two bronze medals, finishing eight medals behind Russia.

This time around, the team features some young talent who could surprise in London. 

Headlining the squad is former University of Nebraska star Jordan Burroughs. 

At only 23 years old, Burroughs already boasts a resume that would blow most other young wrestlers out of the gym.

His list of accomplishments includes two NCAA national championships, the Hodge Trophy (wrestling’s equivalent of the Heisman) and the 2011 freestyle championship at the World Wrestling Championships in Istanbul.  

Along with world bronze medalist Jake Varner, the U.S. Olympic team should improve on its disappointing 2008 performance. 

 

Table Tennis

 

Table tennis may not sound intense, but this isn’t your ordinary game of ping-pong.

Nothing about this game, from the athletes to the blazing speed of the ball, is lackluster.

Look at Barney Reed Jr. for instance.

As highlighted by Michael Weinreb of Grantland, Reed considers himself the only full-time professional table tennis player in America.

He skipped college in order to play table tennis.

Heck, he even owns a California medical marijuana card!

What can’t be questioned is his talent and devotion to a game that just isn’t broadcast enough to be popular in the United States.

The 30-year-old was the USA National Junior Champion and although he didn't make the cut to be on the Olympic squad, it goes to show that you can't always judge a book by it's cover.

As controversial as Reed is, it’s hard to find anyone more clean-cut than Erica Wu.

Then again, most 16-year-olds are worried about final exams and boyfriends than qualifying for the Olympics.

One of three 16-year-olds on the women’s Olympic team, Wu is only ranked 465th in the world, but her competitive spirit makes her an intriguing story.

According to Kevin Baxter of the Los Angeles Times, Wu is an ultra-talented teenager who excels in the classroom, in the music room and on the court.

 

Reed and Wu couldn’t be farther apart in their personalities, but both are such compelling characters who will proudly represent their country in London.

 

Taekwondo

For three years, I competed in taekwondo.

Let me tell you, this sport is an art form that requires intense concentration, discipline and technique.

While I never stuck around long enough to earn a black belt, the members of the Team USA can proudly outdo me.

Although Mixed Martial Arts and UFC have exploded in popularity in recent years, taekwondo is still one of the most respected forms of martial arts throughout the world.

It’s no coincidence that Korea, the birthplace of taekwondo, was the top medal earner in 2008, taking home four gold medals. 

While the United States didn’t go home empty-handed (one silver and two bronze), there’s still room to improve.

Olympic teams feature only four competitors, so the selection process isn’t one to be taken lightly. 

The United States’ best chance at a gold rests with the lightning quick hands of Terrence Jennings. 

 

The Virginia native defeated former silver medalist Mark Lopez in the Olympic Qualifiers and could be the first American gold medalist since Steve Lopez captured it in 2004. 

Steven Lopez, who is still part of the squad, may not actually be the best Lopez on the team. 

Diana Lopez, his sister, earned a bronze medal in 2008 and is expected to be in contention for gold this time around.

With fewer competitors, there's more riding on each match, so you won't want to miss it.