It is another leap year, which means that the Olympics season is approaching quickly. This year, Paris will hold the Summer Olympics from July 26th until August 11th. The Olympic Games are a great time for lesser-known sports to gain visibility and traction among the general populace.

When the Olympics are not taking place, the average American would typically chooses to watch football, basketball, or baseball depending on the season. However, while the Summer Olympics are happening, those sports can be easily be replaced by gymnastics, swimming, or track, some of the most watched sports at the Tokyo 2020 Games. During the Winter Olympics, the most watched sports are figure Skating, ski jumping, and bobsleigh. These sports probably wouldn’t get the time of day on TV if it was not an even numbered year, not to mention some of the more obscure activities like equestrian, curling, and handball.

Although athletes are not paid directly for participating in the games, the Olympic Committee does cover most of the athlete’s expenses during their time in the village, such as food, accommodation, and transportation. Also, for the athletes that make it to the podium, a gold medal is worth $37,500, silver is $22,000, and bronze is $15,000. Even though there is no cash prize, the Olympics often open up large opportunities for athletic sponsorships and paid partnerships with companies, a payout is worth all of the years of training and preparation.

Both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games provide enormous opportunities and recognition for the athletes of less popular or obscure sports.