They workout 6-10 hours a day. Try doing what they do in the pool. You will soon find it's a tough sport. The only two differences between the gymnastic floor exercise and synchronized swimming event is that the swimmer, by definition, is in the water and she is holding her breath for four minutes. Think about it.
And if you missed water polo...well the sportscaster was shocked that it is as barbaric as hockey. His words, not mine! When you are a water polo player you are expected to tread water for hours (workouts not the game which is only 24 minutes-6 minutes a quarter) and tread hard enough to raise your body out of the water up to your waist while catching the ball, fighting off the other team, controlling the ball and then making a goal. All in a days work!!!
Horseback riding, cycling, etc are quite demanding. If you are saying that the sport is not an illustration of the human body because of the apparatus i.e. the horse and bike, then what about the vault, the parallel bars, the uneven bars, the rings, skis, skates, sleds, etc?
As for choosing the sport. There is a very lengthy process for a sport to become an Olympic event.
But there is relief! Tonight are the closing ceremonies and you won't have to watch the summer games for another four years!!!! : ) You lucky girl!!! : )
I, for one, appreciate all of them. Their dedication and super strength is something else.
Well I detect a bit of sarcasm in that last paragraph but I do appreciate your insight.