What is the most obscure Olympic event?

The summer Olympics is currently comprised of 28 sports, and will be reduced to 26 sports at the next summer games in London:

The IOC has voted to eliminate the sports [baseball and softball] starting in the 2012 London Olympics because it [sic] was deemed "too American for the International Stage." It becomes the first sport eliminated since polo was ousted in 1936. There were three sports on the table for elimination, and Modern Pentathlon was the only sport that maintained its place in the Games.

Here is the story. As the author notes, it is Cuba (not the U.S.) that is most harmed by the omission of baseball.

Slate's pick of the most obscure, bogus Olympic events, circa July 2000:

Everyone's favorite is synchronized swimming, which requires make-up and hair gel. New this year is 'trampoline' gymnastics, which joins 'rhythmic' gymnastics (featuring colored ribbons) as the two events most suited to the backyard lawn. Add to these traditional events such as equestrian, sailing, and shooting. On the border are newfangled 'extreme' sports such as mountain biking, the three different versions of kayaking, and (during the winter) snowboarding, moguls, and aerials. Too many of these events are subjective, with abstract ideals that make them resemble dog shows more than head-to-head competitions.

I agree. Rhythmic Gymnastics should be cut immediately. I've one exception though: I love watching trampoline!

A bigger (unrelated) gripe of mine is with NBC's prime time coverage. First, NBC seems only to follow the biggies--swimming and track. I'd much rather watch the finals of an obscure sport, than some qualifying round in a track event. Second, NBC seems only to follow the swimming and track events where an American is likely to place. Third, the commentators are overtly biased in favor of the U.S. athletes. I've nothing against U.S. pride, but it seems whenever there is close call that doesn't go our way, they suggest judge misconduct or ineptitude.