Olympics FanHouse

Matt Lauer Asks Dara Torres: Do You Use Performance-Enhancing Drugs?

Michael David Smith — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:40:00 EST

After Dara Torres qualified for the U.S. Olympic swimming team at age 41, some questioned whether such an accomplishment was evidence that she is cheating. On the Today Show this morning, Matt Lauer put the question directly to Torres:

"Have you in the past or are you currently taking or using anything that is banned by your sport?" Lauer asked.

"Absolutely not," Torres said. "In fact, I've taken a proactive approach. I went to [the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency] and I met with the CEO there, and said, 'Hey, people are talking about me, they can't believe I'm doing this. I'm an open book. DNA test me, blood test me, urine test me, do whatever you want.' I want to show people I'm clean."

If Torres is a liar, she's as good a liar as she is a swimmer.

Matt Lauer Asks Dara Torres: Do You Use Performance-Enhancing Drugs? originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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USA Judo Prepares Statement to USOC on Official Accused of Molesting Athletes

Michael David Smith — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Women's Sports, USA

Last month Ronda Rousey, the judo Olympian who is America's best chance at a medal in the sport, posted an entry on her blog that accused a judo official of molesting girls who participated in the sport. Soon after, she removed the entry for, she said, "legal reasons."

But the story is not over, according to USA Judo, the sport's governing body in the United States. Today I was e-mailed a statement from USA Judo CEO Jose H. Rodriguez saying, "USA Judo is looking into this situation and will be providing a statement to the U.S. Olympic Committee by next Monday, July 14."

It is not clear what this statement will consist of or whether it will be made public, but it is clear that when the sport's best athlete is making this kind of accusation, it's not something that can simply be ignored.

USA Judo Prepares Statement to USOC on Official Accused of Molesting Athletes originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:59:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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41-Year-Old Dara Torres Would Prefer That Her Olympic Teammates Not Call Her Mom

Michael David Smith — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Women's Sports, USA

After winning the 100-meter freestyle at the U.S. Olympic trials, 41-year-old American swimmer Dara Torres joked that she was too old to read the numbers on the scoreboard that showed her winning time. She wasn't done there:

When told that Michael Phelps had referred to her as "my mom," Torres said:

"I like to refer to it as a big sister to my teammates, although I am as old as some of their parents. I feel like I'm on their level on the one hand. On the other hand I have a lot of experience and I'm not on their level. I take it as a compliment that he refers to me as sort of the mom there, but I don't know if the kids actually think that. Maybe aunt."

As long as Torres is calling her Olympic teammates "the kids," I think it's safe to say that the "mom" comments aren't going away.

41-Year-Old Dara Torres Would Prefer That Her Olympic Teammates Not Call Her Mom originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Sun, 06 Jul 2008 14:01:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ESPN.com Writer Accuses Dara Torres of Using Performance-Enhancing Drugs

Michael David Smith — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Women's Sports, ESPN, PEDs, USA

The 41-year-old American swimmer Dara Torres won the 100-meter freestyle at the U.S. Olympic trials, and she credited her training regimen for her success at such an advanced age.

But ESPN.com's Pat Forde is not convinced. Forde thinks that the simplest explanation for a super-human athletic performance is that the athlete is using performance-enhancing drugs. He quotes Torres saying, "Anyone who makes any accusations, I see it as a compliment," and writes that she should "take this column as one long compliment."

The meat of Forde's argument is this:

It shouldn't even be possible for a woman in her 40s.
Which is the sticking point. This is all unprecedented -- and after years of being conned, we've become conditioned to question the unprecedented.

Who swims this well at that age? After having a child? Nobody. Ever.

Who takes six years off and comes back better than ever, lowering her best time in the 100 meters from 54.43 seconds in 2000 to 53.78 Friday night? Nobody. Ever.

Who has shoulder and knee surgery and comes back to whip women half her age less than a year later? Nobody. Ever.

Of course, for as long as sports have existed, we've been marveling at achievements that nobody ever accomplished before. Now we seem to have reached the point where instead of marveling, we scoff.

Dara Torres

Dara Torres leaves the starting block in the women's 50-meter freestyle preliminaries at the US Olympic swimming trials in Omaha, Neb., Saturday, July 5, 2008. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Dara Torres leaps off the starting block in the women's 50m freestyle at the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials in Omaha, Nebraska July 5, 2008. REUTERS/Jeff Haynes (UNITED STATES) (BEIJING OLYMPICS 2008 PREVIEW)

Reuters

Dara Torres waves as she carries her daughter Tessa after winning the Women's 100m freestyle and qualifying for her fifth Olympic games at the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials in Omaha, Nebraska, July 4, 2008 REUTERS/Christinne Muschi (UNITED STATES) (BEIJING OLYMPICS 2008 PREVIEW)

Reuters

Dara Torres places her medal around her daughter Tessa after winning the Women's 100m freestyle and qualifying for her fifth Olympic games at the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials in Omaha, Nebraska, July 4, 2008 REUTERS/Christinne Muschi (UNITED STATES) (BEIJING OLYMPICS 2008 PREVIEW)

Reuters

OMAHA, NE - JULY 04: (L-R) Natalie Coughlin, Emily Silver, Dara Torres and Lacey Nymeyer celebrate after the final of the 100 meter freestyle during the U.S. Swimming Olympic Trials on July 4, 2008 at the Qwest Center in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

Getty Images

OMAHA, NE - JULY 04: Dara Torres, top, touches the wall ahead of Natalie Coughlin, bottom, in the final of the 100 meter freestyle during the U.S. Swimming Olympic Trials on July 4, 2008 at the Qwest Center in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

Getty Images

OMAHA, NE - JULY 04: Dara Torres holds daughter Tessa in the awards ceremony for the 100 meter freestyle during the U.S. Swimming Olympic Trials on July 4, 2008 at the Qwest Center in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Getty Images

OMAHA, NE - JULY 04: Dara Torres waves to the crowd after winning the final of the 100 meter freestyle and qualifying for her fifth Olympic team during the U.S. Swimming Olympic Trials on July 4, 2008 at the Qwest Center in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Dara Torres waves the US flag after winning the women's 100-meter freestyle final at the US Olympic swimming trials in Omaha, Neb., Friday, July 4, 2008. Torres, 41, qualified for her fifth Olympics. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

ESPN.com Writer Accuses Dara Torres of Using Performance-Enhancing Drugs originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:59:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Attractive Olympian Bracket Breakdown: Female Division

Matt Ufford — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Women's Sports, Beijing, USA, Attractive Olympians

Olympic athletes often don't get paid to do anything other than look good. In that vein, Attractive Olympians handicaps which athletes may rake in endorsement deals after the Olympics.

Lest anyone think that there wasn't a point to all these Attractive Olympian posts, fear not: all of your voting in the preliminary posts has paved the way for YET MORE VOTING, as we at FanHouse have tallied up the averages of the 32 women to receive your scrutiny and used those scores to seed the ladies accordingly (For those more interested in marginalizing sexy male athletes, I direct you to this gallery).

The field is American-heavy, but our excuses, in order, are (a) this is an American blog, and (b) Americans are naturally better-looking than everyone else. Just ask the voters: eight of the top ten spots are occupied by Americans, and the populace seems to favor -- this may shock you -- blonde Caucasian women.

There are, of course, questions about the tourney's selection committee: Why choose Australian hurdler Sally McLellan (who finished dead last) and not Swedish hurdler Susanna Kallur? Why Argentine field hockey player Luciana Aymar and not her busty teammate Magdalena Aicega? Why Misty May-Treanor and not any other on a long list of beach volleyball players? The answer is simple: there's a massive sports blogging conspiracy to make sure your favorite hot athletes get ignored in this hypothetical tournament that offers no spoils to the victor whatsoever.

To vote now, go here. For a deeper look at the field, continue reading.
1. Amy Acuff, USA, High Jumper versus 16. Sally McLellan, Australia, Hurdler and Sprinter
1. Logan Tom, USA, Beach Volleyball versus 16. Stacy Dragila, USA, Pole Vault
2. Jennie Finch, USA Softball versus 15. Yan Zi, China, Tennis
2 Stephanie Rice, Australia, Swimming versus 15. Natasha Kai, USA, Soccer
3. Maria Sharapova, Russia, Tennis versus 14. Kim Gevaert, Belgium, Sprinter
3 Natalie Coughlin, USA, Swimming versus 14. Yelena Isinbayeva, Russia, Pole Vault
4. Christina Jones, USA, Synchronized Swimming versus 13. Simona Peycheva, Bulgaria, Rythmic Gymnast
4. Katie Mocco, USA, Judo versus 13. Lisa Leslie, USA, Basketball
5. Misty May-Treanor, USA, Beach Volleyball versus 12. Anna Bessonova, Ukraine, Rhythmic Gymnast
5. Hope Solo, USA, Soccer versus 12. Erin Phillips, Australia, Basketball
6. Laure Manaudou, France, Swimming versus 11. Natasha Watley, USA, Softball
6. Alicia Sacramone, USA, Gymnastics versus 11. Sue Bird, USA, Basketball
7. Ana Ivanovic, Serbia, Tennis versus 10. Blanka Vlasic, Croatia, High Jumper
7, Becky Hammon, Russia, Basketball versus 10. Luciana Aymar, Argentina, Field Hockey
8. Leisel Jones, Australia, Swimming versus 9. Nastia Liukin, USA, Gymnastics
8. Kelly Sotherton, Great Britain, Heptathlete versus 9. Emma Snowsill, Australia

Potential Upset: #5 Misty May-Treanor Versus #12 Anna Bessonova

May-Treanor cruised to a bloated overall nine-seed on the strength of name recognition and an extremely tight bikini. Don't overlook the younger Bessonova, who has a calendar that displays her proclivity for bending her legs into angles exceeding 180 degrees. That has to count for something.

Most Questionable Seeding/Most Intriguing Matchup: #7 Ana Ivanovic Versus #10 Blanka Vlasic

Ivanovic landed an unfairly low seed and should be considered a dark horse to win the whole tournament. But first, she has to get past dominant high jumper Vlasic, who may lack classic beauty but compensates with attitude to spare: sexy celebratory dances, extra piercings, a topless candid photo that surfaced in the Internet, and legs that start here and go into next week.

Additionally, both these athletes grew up during the collapse of communist Yugoslavia. Will the generations-deep hatred between Serbs and Croats affect this matchup? Well, no. That's impossibly foolish to imagine, since it's just unrelated people voting for one woman or the other. But still, it's an interesting angle.

The Matchup That Should Have Been: #7 Becky Hammon Versus #9 Nastia Liukin

Becky Hammon is the San Antonio Silver Stars guard and native Coloradoan who will play hoops for her adopted land of Russia, where she holds dual citizenship. Liukin is the daughter of two Olympic gymnasts who emigrated from the Soviet Union, and she'll represent the U.S. this summer. Alas, a hiccup in seeding made sure these two won't face off, thus depriving us of analysis on the Cold War enemies' sexy athlete exchange program.

Vote for the hottest Olympian now.

Attractive Olympians

Maria Sharapova This will be the first Olympics for the Russian tennis star, who has won three Grand Slam titles.

Brad Barket/Getty Images for IMG

Laure Manaudou: The French swimmer and Gold medal winner in the 400m freestyle holds the world records for the 400m freestyle and 200m freestyle.

Getty Images

Anna Bessonova Ukrainian rhythmic gymnast won bronze at the 2004 games and earned gold at the World Championships in '07.

TATYANA MAKEYEVA/AFP/Getty Images

Demetrius Andrade The reigning world AIBA boxing champion at 152 pounds, Andrade was a Golden Glove winner in '06 and '07.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Alicia Sacramone: A member of the United States gymnastics team since 2003, Sacramone has earned seven medals from three world championships.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Ana Ivanovic: Serbian tennis player reached the semifinals of Wimbledon in 2007 and the 2008 Australian Open final.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Jennie Finch: Pitched the USA to gold in 2004. She and her teammates have many fans, none more so than Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys.

Mark Davis/Getty Images

Apolo Anton Ohno: U.S. short track speed skater won TV's Dancing With the Stars, and has earned five Olympic medals, including gold in the 500m at the 2006 games.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Kris Freeman: Competed for the U.S. Ski Team in cross country at the 2002 and '06 games, finishing 14th in Salt Lake City.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

James Blake: No. 9 pro tennis player in the world says he plans to represent the U.S. at the Beijing games.

Vince Bucci/Getty Images

Attractive Olympian Bracket Breakdown: Female Division originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:57:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exclusive: Shahar Peer the Tennis Warrior

Elie Seckbach — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:10:00 EST

Filed under: Los Angeles, Tennis, Women's Sports, International Tennis, The Word, FanHouse TV

Elie Seckbach, the Embedded Correspondent, brings his exclusive video reporting to FanHouse. Check back here regularly for more videos.

In this video we talk to tennis star Shahar Peer, one of the big stories in this year's Wimbledon. We also hear from tennis superstars Ana Ivanovic and Maria Sharapova on what it's like to compete against Peer. Around 1:00 into the video find out why you should think twice before messing around with Shahar.

AOL Video link. Youtube link.

Exclusive: Shahar Peer the Tennis Warrior originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How the Iraq War Killed Olympic Softball

Michael David Smith — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 20:23:00 EST

Filed under: Women's Sports, The Word, USA

This month's installment of HBO's Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel features a report on the International Olympic Committee's decision to get rid of softball, which will cease to be an Olympic sport after Beijing. There are a lot of reasons that the IOC got rid of softball, but the biggest one seems to be that the United States dominates softball, and most members of the IOC don't like Americans.

And why don't IOC members like Americans? In large part, because of the war in Iraq. Influential Canadian IOC member Dick Pound said this:

"It's still perceived as an American sport and the U.S. flag has not been high internationally for awhile. [The Iraq war is] a very unpopular position taken by the United States. Here are a couple of sports that are particularly strong in the United States, 'So long.'"

(Via NewsOK.com)

It's not too late for softball -- or baseball, which will also be gone after this year's Games -- to return to the Olympics some day. But for now, the IOC just doesn't like America very much, and softball players are paying the price.

How the Iraq War Killed Olympic Softball originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 20:23:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Attractive Olympian: Basketball Player and Alleged Traitor Becky Hammon

Matt Ufford — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:15:00 EST

Filed under: Women's Sports, Beijing, Attractive Olympians

Olympic athletes often don't get paid to do anything other than look good. In that vein, Attractive Olympians handicaps which athletes may rake in endorsement deals after the Olympics.

Becky Hammon just wants to be an Olympian -- so badly that she'll use her dual citizenship this summer as a member of the Russian national team, an act that has led some to call her a traitor.

Quick history: Despite being an All-America at Colorado State, Becky Hammon was shunned at the 1999 WNBA draft. She joined the New York Liberty as a free agent, where she had an immediate impact off the bench but spent four years backing up Teresa Weatherspoon. After a breakout season in 2003, she was left off the Athens squad in 2004. In 2007, she was the runner-up in the WNBA MVP vote, yet her invitation to try out for the 2008 U.S. Olympic team was less than sincere.

Personally, if I'd been snubbed by one country that much, I might consider going where I felt appreciated, too -- her Russian club, CSKA Moscow, pays her in the seven figures, and she was a lock for the Olympic team there.

But let's take a step back from the politics involved and ask something more superficial: how does this dilemma affect her sex appeal? Will this affect her potential sponsorships? Might Americans actually cheer for a Russian team? Is "Becky" an acceptable Russian name? None of these answers -- and more! -- after the jump.

Hey, she seems really nice and approacha-- DIE COMMIE SCUM!!!

Breaking Down the Basics

Age	31
Hair	Blonde... but don't think we can't see those brown roots, sister
Eyes	Blue
Height	5' 6"
Weight	136
Famous skills	Scoring, ball-handling
Cuter when...	Paired with adorable puppy
Sad truth	Lists N*SYNC among favorite music artists
Unfortunate nicknames	Hammon Cheese, Hammon Deggs, Hamm-on Whole Wheat, etc.

Presentation of Medals

*When judging, assume that Gold suggests a future of GoDaddy.com-level of endorsements, and Bronze points toward appearances in local circulars.

Attractive Olympians

Maria Sharapova This will be the first Olympics for the Russian tennis star, who has won three Grand Slam titles.

Brad Barket/Getty Images for IMG

Laure Manaudou: The French swimmer and Gold medal winner in the 400m freestyle holds the world records for the 400m freestyle and 200m freestyle.

Getty Images

Anna Bessonova Ukrainian rhythmic gymnast won bronze at the 2004 games and earned gold at the World Championships in '07.

TATYANA MAKEYEVA/AFP/Getty Images

Demetrius Andrade The reigning world AIBA boxing champion at 152 pounds, Andrade was a Golden Glove winner in '06 and '07.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Alicia Sacramone: A member of the United States gymnastics team since 2003, Sacramone has earned seven medals from three world championships.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Ana Ivanovic: Serbian tennis player reached the semifinals of Wimbledon in 2007 and the 2008 Australian Open final.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Jennie Finch: Pitched the USA to gold in 2004. She and her teammates have many fans, none more so than Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys.

Mark Davis/Getty Images

Apolo Anton Ohno: U.S. short track speed skater won TV's Dancing With the Stars, and has earned five Olympic medals, including gold in the 500m at the 2006 games.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Kris Freeman: Competed for the U.S. Ski Team in cross country at the 2002 and '06 games, finishing 14th in Salt Lake City.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

James Blake: No. 9 pro tennis player in the world says he plans to represent the U.S. at the Beijing games.

Vince Bucci/Getty Images

Attractive Olympian: Basketball Player and Alleged Traitor Becky Hammon originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shawn Johnson Makes U.S. Gymnastics Team, Takes Another Step Toward Stardom

Michael David Smith — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 22:33:00 EST

Filed under: Women's Sports, USA

If all goes according to plan, you'll be sick of Shawn Johnson in three months.

Johnson, a 16-year-old from Des Moines, clinched a spot on the U.S. women's gymnastics team tonight by finishing first at the Olympic trials in Philadelphia. As the defending world all-around champion, she's now the favorite to bring home the gold in Beijing and become a crossover star along the lines of Mary Lou Retton and Kerri Strug.

Johnson will be joined on the Olympic team by Nastia Liukin, who took second at the Olympic trials. The other four team members and three alternates will be chosen in late July.

Shawn Johnson Makes U.S. Gymnastics Team, Takes Another Step Toward Stardom originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Sun, 22 Jun 2008 22:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Attractive Olympian: Team USA Pitcher and Legendary Hottie Jennie Finch

Matt Ufford — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Women's Sports, Beijing, USA, Attractive Olympians

Olympic athletes often don't get paid to do anything other than look good. In that vein, Attractive Olympians handicaps which athletes may rake in endorsement deals after the Olympics.

Get to Know Jennie Finch

Jennie Finch struck out 10 en route to a perfect game April 19 against Louisiana-Lafayette in a pre-Olympic exhibition tour. It's just the latest feat for Finch, who many consider the most famous softball player of all time.

Crystal LoGiudice, US Presswire

Finch had a 2-0 record in the 2004 Summer Olympics at Athens, Greece. She struck out 13 batters over eight innings in that tournament while only giving up one hit, leading the American team to the gold medal.

Dustin Snipes, Icon SMI/ZUMA Press

She appeared on the July 2005 cover of Sports Illustrated as part of the SI Summer Party edition, but turned down a lucrative contract to appear nude for Playboy, saying that she would "rather be a role model for young girls."

Sports Illustrated

Finch has also made a few reality TV performances, appearing in an episode of The Real Housewives of Orange County and as a contestant on the new celebrity edition of The Apprentice.

Tommy Baynard, NBC

Finch lasted until the fourth episode of Celebrity Apprentice, competing against other stars like country singer Trace Adkins, but she was fired in the fourth episode on January 24.

Jim Spellman, WireImage.com

Finch has made her presence felt in the big leagues, participating on the Legends Team at the 2005 Legends/Celebrity Game as part of the All-Star festivities at Comerica Park.

Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images

Finch regularly hosts TV segments for "This Week In Baseball" where she's seen pitching to major league baseball players, throwing from the same distance she would in a softball game.

Christian Petersen, Getty Images

Finch defeated Anna Kournikova in an ESPN online poll in 2003 as the most attractive female athlete. Like Kournikova, she has modeled swimwear for the SI Swimsuit Edition in 2005-06.

Albert L. Ortega, WireImage.com

Along with teammate Lisa Fernandez, left, Finch received an award for Best Female Olympic Performance at the 13th Annual ESPY Awards in 2005.

Kevin Winter, Getty Images

At the 2002 ESPY Awards, Finch was considered the "best dressed" at the show. She wore a black and rhinestone evening gown she helped design, which upstaged the likes of Vivica A. Fox and supermodel Carol Alt.

Robert Mora, Getty Images

No discussion of attractive Olympians could be complete -- or perhaps even started -- without adequate mention of Team USA pitcher Jennie Finch. The former Arizona great (her number 27 was retired there in 2003) posted a 2-0 record and allowed only one hit in 13 innings during the U.S.'s gold medal run in Athens in 2004, and she'll look to duplicate that success in Beijing.

The rest you probably know: an appearance in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, her marriage to Twins pitcher Casey Daigle, a son named Ace born in 2006, TV appearances on Pros vs Joes and the celebrity edition of The Apprentice (she got fired), and regular on-camera work for ESPN.

But is she attractive? Well, yes. Definitively so. But that won't stop us from encouraging you to vote in our poll after the jump, where pleasant things like photos of her in evening wear reside. Thanks, Getty Images!

A little overdressed for the Olympics' opening ceremonies

Breaking Down the Basics

Age	27
Hair	Blonde
Eyes	Blue
Family status	MILF
Pitching since	Age 8
Hot since	[REDACTED]
Link to SI swimsuit photos	Right here
Notably, on the cover of SI	Here
Once struck out Mike Cameron	Join the club, sister

Presentation of Medals

*When judging, assume that Gold suggests a future of GoDaddy.com-level of endorsements, and Bronze points toward appearances in local circulars.

Attractive Olympians

Maria Sharapova This will be the first Olympics for the Russian tennis star, who has won three Grand Slam titles.

Brad Barket/Getty Images for IMG

Laure Manaudou: The French swimmer and Gold medal winner in the 400m freestyle holds the world records for the 400m freestyle and 200m freestyle.

Getty Images

Anna Bessonova Ukrainian rhythmic gymnast won bronze at the 2004 games and earned gold at the World Championships in '07.

TATYANA MAKEYEVA/AFP/Getty Images

Demetrius Andrade The reigning world AIBA boxing champion at 152 pounds, Andrade was a Golden Glove winner in '06 and '07.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Alicia Sacramone: A member of the United States gymnastics team since 2003, Sacramone has earned seven medals from three world championships.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Ana Ivanovic: Serbian tennis player reached the semifinals of Wimbledon in 2007 and the 2008 Australian Open final.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Jennie Finch: Pitched the USA to gold in 2004. She and her teammates have many fans, none more so than Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys.

Mark Davis/Getty Images

Apolo Anton Ohno: U.S. short track speed skater won TV's Dancing With the Stars, and has earned five Olympic medals, including gold in the 500m at the 2006 games.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Kris Freeman: Competed for the U.S. Ski Team in cross country at the 2002 and '06 games, finishing 14th in Salt Lake City.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

James Blake: No. 9 pro tennis player in the world says he plans to represent the U.S. at the Beijing games.

Vince Bucci/Getty Images

Attractive Olympian: Team USA Pitcher and Legendary Hottie Jennie Finch originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:01:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Attractive Olympian: Bulgarian Rhythmic Gymnast Simona Peycheva

Matt Ufford — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:44:00 EST

Filed under: Women's Sports, Beijing, Europe, Attractive Olympians

Olympic athletes often don't get paid to do anything other than look good. In that vein, Attractive Olympians handicaps which athletes may rake in endorsement deals after the Olympics.

Simona Peycheva established herself in rhythmic gymnastics with three gold medals at the 2001 Worlds (hoop, ball, and clubs), but her career has been plagued with injury since then. Not that those injuries have stopped her.

She broke her foot in the summer of 2002, but continued competing with the help of painkilling injections, winning two golds and a silver at the World Cup that year. She finally underwent surgery for the foot in late 2003, then recuperated in time for the Athens Games, where she finished sixth overall. Last October, she had surgery again -- this time on her spine -- but she's determined to take one more shot at Olympic gold before retiring. Pretty tough for a 23-year-old who doesn't even weigh 100 pounds.

She also happens to be pretty attractive for a 23-year-old who doesn't even weigh 100 pounds. Perhaps it's the flexibility, or maybe it's the competitive fire, but Peycheva legitimately joins the ranks of Olympic hotties. But just how hot is she? After the jump, ogle more photos and vote in our delightfully superficial poll.

That's gotta be someone else's leg.

Breaking Down the Basics

Age	23
Height	5'3"
Weight	99 lbs.
Hair	Plastered to head
Legs	Can detach from hips, move about freely
Marital status	Single
Strengths, according to Wikipedia	"Extreme flexibility, technical brilliance and ... a great audience teaser"
Yes, but what about her gymnastic strengths?	HEY-O!

Presentation of Medals

*When judging, assume that Gold suggests a future of GoDaddy.com-level of endorsements, and Bronze points toward appearances in local circulars.

Attractive Olympians

Maria Sharapova This will be the first Olympics for the Russian tennis star, who has won three Grand Slam titles.

Brad Barket/Getty Images for IMG

Laure Manaudou: The French swimmer and Gold medal winner in the 400m freestyle holds the world records for the 400m freestyle and 200m freestyle.

Getty Images

Anna Bessonova Ukrainian rhythmic gymnast won bronze at the 2004 games and earned gold at the World Championships in '07.

TATYANA MAKEYEVA/AFP/Getty Images

Demetrius Andrade The reigning world AIBA boxing champion at 152 pounds, Andrade was a Golden Glove winner in '06 and '07.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Alicia Sacramone: A member of the United States gymnastics team since 2003, Sacramone has earned seven medals from three world championships.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Ana Ivanovic: Serbian tennis player reached the semifinals of Wimbledon in 2007 and the 2008 Australian Open final.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Jennie Finch: Pitched the USA to gold in 2004. She and her teammates have many fans, none more so than Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys.

Mark Davis/Getty Images

Apolo Anton Ohno: U.S. short track speed skater won TV's Dancing With the Stars, and has earned five Olympic medals, including gold in the 500m at the 2006 games.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Kris Freeman: Competed for the U.S. Ski Team in cross country at the 2002 and '06 games, finishing 14th in Salt Lake City.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

James Blake: No. 9 pro tennis player in the world says he plans to represent the U.S. at the Beijing games.

Vince Bucci/Getty Images

Attractive Olympian: Bulgarian Rhythmic Gymnast Simona Peycheva originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:44:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Attractive Olympian: Teenage Gymnast, Video Game Cover Model Nastia Liukin

Matt Ufford — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:51:00 EST

Filed under: Women's Sports, Beijing, USA, Attractive Olympians

Olympic athletes often don't get paid to do anything other than look good. In that vein, Attractive Olympians handicaps which athletes may rake in endorsement deals after the Olympics.

Nastia Liukin's accomplishments -- and the expectations they've created -- seem almost too much for someone who turned 18 just two months ago. Although she lost most of 2007 to an ankle injury, she has still managed to win nine World Championships medals, tied with Shannon Miller for the most in U.S. history.

Nastia Liukin Photos

BOSTON - JUNE 07: Shawn Johnson (L) and Nastia Liukin prepare for the uneven parallel bars during day 3 of the Visa Championships at Agganis Arena June 7, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

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BOSTON - JUNE 07: Nastia Liukin finishes her vault during day 3 of the Visa Championships at Agganis Arena June 7, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

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BOSTON - JUNE 07: Nastia Liukin competes on the uneven parallel bars during day 3 of the Visa Championships at Agganis Arena June 7, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

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BOSTON - JUNE 07: Nastia Liukin competes on the uneven parallel bars during day 3 of the Visa Championships at Agganis Arena June 7, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

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BOSTON - JUNE 07: Nastia Liukin competes on the uneven parallel bars during day 3 of the Visa Championships at Agganis Arena June 7, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

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BOSTON - JUNE 07: Nastia Liukin competes on the balance beam during day 3 of the Visa Championships at Agganis Arena June 7, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

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BOSTON - JUNE 07: Nastia Liukin competes on the balance beam during day 3 of the Visa Championships at Agganis Arena June 7, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

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BOSTON - JUNE 07: Nastia Liukin competes in the floor exercise during day 3 of the Visa Championships at Agganis Arena June 7, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

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BOSTON - JUNE 07: (L-R) Nastia Liukin poses with the silver medal, Shawn Johnson poses with the gold medal and Chellsie Memmel poses with the bronze medal after day 3 of the Visa Championships at Agganis Arena June 7, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

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Perhaps it's her pedigree. Both of her parents were world-class gymnasts who emigrated from Russia when she was a toddler. They opened a gymnastics training center in Texas, and Nastia began tumbling by age three. Now, finally age-eligible for the Olympics, will anchor a U.S. team that is expected to challenge the team of her parents' homeland and the other front-runners.

Of course, successful athletes who also happen to be attractive young blonde women are afforded additional opportunities in America, and Nastia enjoys sponsorship from AT&T, adidas, and others. You may also have seen her cameo in 2006's box-office non-smash Stick It, and she also graces the cover of the Beijing 2008 video game for Xbox (see it here). Let's hope there's no Madden-like curse for Olympians.

Breaking Down the Basics

Full name	Anastasia Valeryevna Liukin
Age	18
Hair	Blonde
Eyes	Blue
Height	5'3"
Education	Student at SMU
MySpace page	Far less annoying than average teenager's
Favorite TV shows	Gossip Girl, The Hills (just as annoying as average teenager's)

Presentation of Medals

*When judging, assume that Gold suggests a future of GoDaddy.com-level of endorsements, and Bronze points toward appearances in local circulars.

Attractive Olympians

Maria Sharapova This will be the first Olympics for the Russian tennis star, who has won three Grand Slam titles.

Brad Barket/Getty Images for IMG

Laure Manaudou: The French swimmer and Gold medal winner in the 400m freestyle holds the world records for the 400m freestyle and 200m freestyle.

Getty Images

Anna Bessonova Ukrainian rhythmic gymnast won bronze at the 2004 games and earned gold at the World Championships in '07.

TATYANA MAKEYEVA/AFP/Getty Images

Demetrius Andrade The reigning world AIBA boxing champion at 152 pounds, Andrade was a Golden Glove winner in '06 and '07.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Alicia Sacramone: A member of the United States gymnastics team since 2003, Sacramone has earned seven medals from three world championships.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Ana Ivanovic: Serbian tennis player reached the semifinals of Wimbledon in 2007 and the 2008 Australian Open final.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Jennie Finch: Pitched the USA to gold in 2004. She and her teammates have many fans, none more so than Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys.

Mark Davis/Getty Images

Apolo Anton Ohno: U.S. short track speed skater won TV's Dancing With the Stars, and has earned five Olympic medals, including gold in the 500m at the 2006 games.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Kris Freeman: Competed for the U.S. Ski Team in cross country at the 2002 and '06 games, finishing 14th in Salt Lake City.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

James Blake: No. 9 pro tennis player in the world says he plans to represent the U.S. at the Beijing games.

Vince Bucci/Getty Images

Attractive Olympian: Teenage Gymnast, Video Game Cover Model Nastia Liukin originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:51:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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American Becky Hammon Called 'Traitor' for Representing Russia at the Olympics

Michael David Smith — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 09:55:00 EST

Filed under: Women's Sports, USA

Becky Hammon is an American who plays for the WNBA's San Antonio Silver Stars. She's also going to play in the Olympics in Beijing -- but not for Team USA.

Instead, Hammon will play for Russia's Olympic basketball team. Hammon has no Russian ancestry, but she has played professionally in Russia, and she became a Russian citizen to aid her basketball career. In the eyes of the International Olympic Committee, that's good enough for her to play for Russia.

That doesn't sit well with some in this country. During a CNN interview, Team USA women's basketball coach Anne Donovan referred to Hammon as a "traitor." Similar sentiments were expressed today on ESPN's Outside the Lines.

But that's silly. This isn't war, it's basketball. Hammon wanted to be an Olympian, she wasn't chosen for the American team, and so she looked elsewhere. People who don't like the rules that allow that can blame the IOC, but blaming Hammon for wanting to play on her sport's biggest stage is wrong.

Attractive Olympians

Becky Hammon: The WNBA star from South Dakota will play for the Russian women's basketball team in August.

Jennifer Pottheiser, NBAE / Getty Images

Yan Zi: Tennis player from China ranks 13th in the world on the WTA tour, and partnered with Zheng Jie to win the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2006.

Michael Steele/Getty Images

Sally McLellan: Australian Hurdler and Sprinter was a semifinalist in both the 100m and 100-meter hurdles at the 2007 Worlds.

Mark Dadswell/Getty Images

Kim Gevaert: Belgian record holder in the 60m, 100m, 200m and 400m races and won a relay bronze at the 2007 Worlds.

MICHEL KRAKOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images

Adam van Koeverden: Canadian canoe-kayak racer won gold in the 500m and bronze in the 100m the the Athens games in 2004.

Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images

Maria Sharapova: This will be the first Olympics for the Russian tennis star, who has won three Grand Slam titles.

Brad Barket/Getty Images for IMG

Laure Manaudou: The French swimmer and Gold medal winner in the 400m freestyle holds the world records for the 400m freestyle and 200m freestyle.

Getty Images

Anna Bessonova: Ukrainian rhythmic gymnast won bronze at the 2004 games and earned gold at the World Championships in '07.

TATYANA MAKEYEVA/AFP/Getty Images

Demetrius Andrade: The reigning world AIBA boxing champion at 152 pounds, Andrade was a Golden Glove winner in '06 and '07.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Alicia Sacramone: A member of the United States gymnastics team since 2003, Sacramone has earned seven medals from three world championships.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

American Becky Hammon Called 'Traitor' for Representing Russia at the Olympics originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Sun, 15 Jun 2008 09:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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International Olympic Committee Could Ban Saudi Arabia Unless Women Can Compete

Michael David Smith — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Women's Sports, Europe

In 1962, the International Olympic Committee made a powerful condemnation of Apartheid by expelling South Africa. Half a century later, the IOC may make another powerful condemnation of another form of apartheid by expelling Saudi Arabia.

The BBC reports that the IOC is putting increasing pressure on the government of Saudi Arabia to allow women to participate in sports -- and that the IOC could even tell Saudi Arabia that if the 2012 Games in London don't have Saudi women, they may have no Saudi athletes at all.

That would be a correct -- and long overdue -- step by the IOC. There's no reason that female athletes shouldn't compete in every country, and in every sport. The IOC can't force Saudi Arabia to reform, but it shouldn't abide Saudi Arabia until it does.

International Olympic Committee Could Ban Saudi Arabia Unless Women Can Compete originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Sat, 14 Jun 2008 10:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Attractive Olympian: Breaststroker Leisel Jones

Matt Ufford — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 18:21:00 EST

Filed under: Women's Sports, Beijing, Attractive Olympians

Olympic athletes often don't get paid to do anything other than look good. In that vein, Attractive Olympians handicaps which athletes may rake in endorsement deals after the Olympics.

Leisel Jones has been a member of the Australian national swimming team since she was 14. At 15, she shocked the world by earning silver in the 100-meter breaststroke in front of the home crowd at the 2000 Olympics, but four years later -- as the prohibitive favorite in the 100m and 200m -- she came up with only bronze and silver, respectively.

Despite two Olympics without an individual gold medal (she did earn one as a member of Australia's 4x100 medley relay n 2004), Jones may be the most dominant breaststroker in history. She set her first world record in 2003, and she now owns nine of the ten fastest times in both the 100m and 200m. And she's heading into Beijing with times close to her records.

But enough talk about Jones's "athletic ability" and "place in history." What we really care about are her physical attributes, am I right? Hey everyone, come quick! We've got a blonde Australian with a beautifully toned body! Let's look at more pictures of her and vote on how attractive she is!

"You look lovely tonight, Miss Jones. What's that scent you're wearing? Residual chlorine in your skin, you say? Marvelous!"

Breaking Down the Basics

Age	22
Height	5' 8"
Weight	145
Hair	Blonde
Eyes	Blue
Relationship status	Engaged to Aussie Rules star Marty Pask
Sad family story that will be aired in soft focus on NBC	Parents' divorce resulted in estrangement from father, who now has cancer
Good-looking as a mermaid?	Yes
Too much pool time?	Abundance of wet shirts says yes

Presentation of Medals

*When judging, assume that Gold suggests a future of GoDaddy.com-level of endorsements, and Bronze points toward appearances in local circulars.

Attractive Olympians

Maria Sharapova This will be the first Olympics for the Russian tennis star, who has won three Grand Slam titles.

Brad Barket/Getty Images for IMG

Laure Manaudou: The French swimmer and Gold medal winner in the 400m freestyle holds the world records for the 400m freestyle and 200m freestyle.

Getty Images

Anna Bessonova Ukrainian rhythmic gymnast won bronze at the 2004 games and earned gold at the World Championships in '07.

TATYANA MAKEYEVA/AFP/Getty Images

Demetrius Andrade The reigning world AIBA boxing champion at 152 pounds, Andrade was a Golden Glove winner in '06 and '07.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Alicia Sacramone: A member of the United States gymnastics team since 2003, Sacramone has earned seven medals from three world championships.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Ana Ivanovic: Serbian tennis player reached the semifinals of Wimbledon in 2007 and the 2008 Australian Open final.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Jennie Finch: Pitched the USA to gold in 2004. She and her teammates have many fans, none more so than Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys.

Mark Davis/Getty Images

Apolo Anton Ohno: U.S. short track speed skater won TV's Dancing With the Stars, and has earned five Olympic medals, including gold in the 500m at the 2006 games.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Kris Freeman: Competed for the U.S. Ski Team in cross country at the 2002 and '06 games, finishing 14th in Salt Lake City.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

James Blake: No. 9 pro tennis player in the world says he plans to represent the U.S. at the Beijing games.

Vince Bucci/Getty Images

Attractive Olympian: Breaststroker Leisel Jones originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 18:21:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Attractive Olympian: Argentine Field Hockey Player Luciana Aymar

Matt Ufford — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Women's Sports, Beijing, Americas, Attractive Olympians

Olympic athletes often don't get paid to do anything other than look good. In that vein, Attractive Olympians handicaps which athletes may rake in endorsement deals after the Olympics.

Luciana Aymar is arguably the best field hockey player in the world. As the only player to ever win the International Hockey Federation's (FIH) World Player of the Year Award four times ('01, '04-'05, '07), she may even be the best field hockey player ever.

An attacker, she provides most of the offense for an Argentine team that finished with bronze and silver medals in the last two Olympic Games, drawing comparisons to countryman and soccer legend Diego Maradona. Except, you know, she doesn't struggle with obesity or do mountains of cocaine.

But let's get to what really matters. After all, what good is being the best player your sport has ever seen if the opposite sex doesn't find you alluring? After the jump, see more of Luciana and vote in our ever-superficial Attractive Olympians poll.

Give us the "Brandi Chastain"!

Breaking Down the Basics

Age	30
Height	5' 7"
Weight	132
Arms	Perfectly toned
Legs	Perfectly toned
Uniform skirt	Alluringly snug
Minidresses	Very alluringly snug
Nickname	"La Maga" (The Magician")
Possible origin	Moving so well in such tight clothing not possible without the dark arts

Presentation of Medals

*When judging, assume that Gold suggests a future of GoDaddy.com-level of endorsements, and Bronze points toward appearances in local circulars.

Attractive Olympians

Maria Sharapova This will be the first Olympics for the Russian tennis star, who has won three Grand Slam titles.

Brad Barket/Getty Images for IMG

Laure Manaudou: The French swimmer and Gold medal winner in the 400m freestyle holds the world records for the 400m freestyle and 200m freestyle.

Getty Images

Anna Bessonova Ukrainian rhythmic gymnast won bronze at the 2004 games and earned gold at the World Championships in '07.

TATYANA MAKEYEVA/AFP/Getty Images

Demetrius Andrade The reigning world AIBA boxing champion at 152 pounds, Andrade was a Golden Glove winner in '06 and '07.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Alicia Sacramone: A member of the United States gymnastics team since 2003, Sacramone has earned seven medals from three world championships.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Ana Ivanovic: Serbian tennis player reached the semifinals of Wimbledon in 2007 and the 2008 Australian Open final.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Jennie Finch: Pitched the USA to gold in 2004. She and her teammates have many fans, none more so than Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys.

Mark Davis/Getty Images

Apolo Anton Ohno: U.S. short track speed skater won TV's Dancing With the Stars, and has earned five Olympic medals, including gold in the 500m at the 2006 games.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Kris Freeman: Competed for the U.S. Ski Team in cross country at the 2002 and '06 games, finishing 14th in Salt Lake City.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

James Blake: No. 9 pro tennis player in the world says he plans to represent the U.S. at the Beijing games.

Vince Bucci/Getty Images

Attractive Olympian: Argentine Field Hockey Player Luciana Aymar originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Attractive Olympian: English Princess and Equestrienne Zara Phillips

Matt Ufford — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Women's Sports, Beijing, Europe, Attractive Olympians

UPDATE: A day after this was published, Zara Phillips withdrew from the Olympic team due to an injury to her horse.

Olympic athletes often don't get paid to do anything other than look good. In that vein, Attractive Olympians handicaps which athletes may rake in endorsement deals after the Olympics.

Zara Phillips (pictured with cousin Prince Harry) has had a pretty rough life. The granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, she's only twelfth in line to England's throne. That's practically the plot set-up for King Ralph. Somehow, though, the attractive and unfathomably wealthy blonde princess has fought through this hardship to attain success in the world of sports.

Phillips is the reigning World Eventing Champion, and she's looking to defend her crown (oh yes, you'll take these puns and you will like them) this summer in Beijing when she competes as a member of England's equestrian team. Also, she was named Celebrity Hat Wearer of the Year. So she's got that going for her, which is nice.

But can a beautiful princess who is better than anyone else in the world at her sport really expect to become the first member of England's royal family to endorse a product? Well, yes: she already did that when she became the face of Land Rover. That kind of makes our discussion moot, but you can still see more of her after the jump.

Man, I'd love to take that filly for a wild ride.

Breaking Down the Basics

Age	27
Hair	Blonde
Bosom	Ample
Wild past	Includes a tongue ring and partying with friends in other countries
Marital status	Engaged -- wedding next spring
At least the guy is a wuss, right?	Nope: rugby player Mike Tindall
Lineage	Both parents were Olympian equestrians, as well

Presentation of Medals

*When judging, assume that Gold suggests a future of GoDaddy.com-level of endorsements, and Bronze points toward appearances in local circulars.

Attractive Olympians

Maria Sharapova This will be the first Olympics for the Russian tennis star, who has won three Grand Slam titles.

Brad Barket/Getty Images for IMG

Laure Manaudou: The French swimmer and Gold medal winner in the 400m freestyle holds the world records for the 400m freestyle and 200m freestyle.

Getty Images

Anna Bessonova Ukrainian rhythmic gymnast won bronze at the 2004 games and earned gold at the World Championships in '07.

TATYANA MAKEYEVA/AFP/Getty Images

Demetrius Andrade The reigning world AIBA boxing champion at 152 pounds, Andrade was a Golden Glove winner in '06 and '07.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Alicia Sacramone: A member of the United States gymnastics team since 2003, Sacramone has earned seven medals from three world championships.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Ana Ivanovic: Serbian tennis player reached the semifinals of Wimbledon in 2007 and the 2008 Australian Open final.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Jennie Finch: Pitched the USA to gold in 2004. She and her teammates have many fans, none more so than Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys.

Mark Davis/Getty Images

Apolo Anton Ohno: U.S. short track speed skater won TV's Dancing With the Stars, and has earned five Olympic medals, including gold in the 500m at the 2006 games.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Kris Freeman: Competed for the U.S. Ski Team in cross country at the 2002 and '06 games, finishing 14th in Salt Lake City.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

James Blake: No. 9 pro tennis player in the world says he plans to represent the U.S. at the Beijing games.

Vince Bucci/Getty Images

Hat tip: Sports by Brooks via With Leather

Attractive Olympian: English Princess and Equestrienne Zara Phillips originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Attractive Olympian: Tennis Player Yan Zi

Matt Ufford — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Tennis, Women's Sports, Beijing, China, Attractive Olympians

Olympic athletes often don't get paid to do anything other than look good. In that vein, Attractive Olympians handicaps which athletes may rake in endorsement deals after the Olympics.

Yan Zi is ranked just 42nd on the WTA tour, but that doesn't mean she can't come away with a medal at this year's Summer Olympics.

She also happens to be an accomplished doubles player, where she's ranked 13th in the world. In fact, she and partner Zheng Jie won the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2006, and if they're going to regain a world title, a good place to do it would be in front of a passionate home crowd in Beijing.

Yan also has a trait common to many women tennis players: she can be admired for how she looks in a tennis skirt as much as for how she plays in one. Of course, it would be tremendously shallow to judge Yan on her beauty ... which is why we've put the Attractive Olympians poll after the jump. We wouldn't want anything superficial to lessen the noble front page.

With doubles partner Zheng Jie (right), who also happens to be attractive

Breaking Down the Basics

Age	23
Height	5' 7½"
Weight	121
Playing tennis since	Age 6
Pet	Cat named Mi Mi
Enjoys	Lord of the Rings movies; "handsome actors"
Obvious joke	For someone named Yan, not very boring

Presentation of Medals

*When judging, assume that Gold suggests a future of GoDaddy.com-level of endorsements, and Bronze points toward appearances in local circulars.

Attractive Olympians

Maria Sharapova This will be the first Olympics for the Russian tennis star, who has won three Grand Slam titles.

Brad Barket/Getty Images for IMG

Laure Manaudou: The French swimmer and Gold medal winner in the 400m freestyle holds the world records for the 400m freestyle and 200m freestyle.

Getty Images

Anna Bessonova Ukrainian rhythmic gymnast won bronze at the 2004 games and earned gold at the World Championships in '07.

TATYANA MAKEYEVA/AFP/Getty Images

Demetrius Andrade The reigning world AIBA boxing champion at 152 pounds, Andrade was a Golden Glove winner in '06 and '07.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Alicia Sacramone: A member of the United States gymnastics team since 2003, Sacramone has earned seven medals from three world championships.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Ana Ivanovic: Serbian tennis player reached the semifinals of Wimbledon in 2007 and the 2008 Australian Open final.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Jennie Finch: Pitched the USA to gold in 2004. She and her teammates have many fans, none more so than Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys.

Mark Davis/Getty Images

Apolo Anton Ohno: U.S. short track speed skater won TV's Dancing With the Stars, and has earned five Olympic medals, including gold in the 500m at the 2006 games.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Kris Freeman: Competed for the U.S. Ski Team in cross country at the 2002 and '06 games, finishing 14th in Salt Lake City.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

James Blake: No. 9 pro tennis player in the world says he plans to represent the U.S. at the Beijing games.

Vince Bucci/Getty Images

Attractive Olympian: Tennis Player Yan Zi originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Attractive Olympian: Australian Hurdler and Sprinter Sally McLellan

Matt Ufford — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 18:38:00 EST

Filed under: Women's Sports, Track and Field, Attractive Olympians

Olympic athletes often don't get paid to do anything other than look good. In that vein, Attractive Olympians handicaps which athletes may rake in endorsement deals after the Olympics.

Sally McLellan is just 21 but already represents some of Australia's brightest hopes for the track and field events this summer Beijing. A semifinalist in both the 100 meters and the 100-meter hurdles at the '07 Worlds in Osaka, she will focus her efforts on the hurdles this summer in an attempt to improve her standing.

Realistically, does she stand a chance to win a medal? Probably not, but a higher-than-expected finish and a bright future in track would go nicely with McLellan's blond hair, long legs, and toothy smile -- all attributes that advertisers (and men) seem to favor.

I certainly support McLellan's quest for gold and golden opportunities, but I'm just a rogue blogger, a maverick outsider who happens to like young, fit, blond Australian women. That's why I leave it to you, FanHouse readers, to vote in the Attractive Olympian poll. Weigh more evidence (and weigh in with your vote) after the jump.

"How 'bout the power of flight? That do anything for ya?"

Breaking Down the Basics

Age	21
Height	5'4"
Weight	145
That is a densely built woman	It's all muscle
Need seven minutes of her being interviewed?	Right here
Precognitive quirk	Can predict record-breaking and hamstring-tearing races
What, no telekinesis?	Too bad -- it'd be handy
Australian for "hurdle"?	"Hurdle." Okay, so no endorsement deal with Foster's

Presentation of Medals

*When judging, assume that Gold suggests a future a of GoDaddy.com-level of endorsements, and Bronze points toward appearances in local circulars.

Attractive Olympians

Maria Sharapova This will be the first Olympics for the Russian tennis star, who has won three Grand Slam titles.

Brad Barket/Getty Images for IMG

Laure Manaudou: The French swimmer and Gold medal winner in the 400m freestyle holds the world records for the 400m freestyle and 200m freestyle.

Getty Images

Anna Bessonova Ukrainian rhythmic gymnast won bronze at the 2004 games and earned gold at the World Championships in '07.

TATYANA MAKEYEVA/AFP/Getty Images

Demetrius Andrade The reigning world AIBA boxing champion at 152 pounds, Andrade was a Golden Glove winner in '06 and '07.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Alicia Sacramone: A member of the United States gymnastics team since 2003, Sacramone has earned seven medals from three world championships.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Ana Ivanovic: Serbian tennis player reached the semifinals of Wimbledon in 2007 and the 2008 Australian Open final.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Jennie Finch: Pitched the USA to gold in 2004. She and her teammates have many fans, none more so than Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys.

Mark Davis/Getty Images

Apolo Anton Ohno: U.S. short track speed skater won TV's Dancing With the Stars, and has earned five Olympic medals, including gold in the 500m at the 2006 games.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Kris Freeman: Competed for the U.S. Ski Team in cross country at the 2002 and '06 games, finishing 14th in Salt Lake City.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

James Blake: No. 9 pro tennis player in the world says he plans to represent the U.S. at the Beijing games.

Vince Bucci/Getty Images

(Hat tip: YardBarker)

Attractive Olympian: Australian Hurdler and Sprinter Sally McLellan originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 18:38:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Attractive Olympian: Sprinter Kim Gevaert

Matt Ufford — Thu, 29 May 2008 18:53:00 EST

Filed under: Women's Sports, Track and Field, Europe, Attractive Olympians

Olympic athletes often don't get paid to do anything other than look good. In that vein, Attractive Olympians handicaps which athletes may rake in endorsement deals after the Olympics.

Kim Gevaert -- pictured at right with an invisible jump rope -- will never be an Olympic champion. Although the Belgian-record holder in the 60m, 100m, 200m and 400m races owns several golds from the European Championships and a relay bronze from the 2007 Worlds in Osaka, the reality is that she simply isn't fast enough to stand atop the podium by herself.

This is neither a denunciation of her skills nor a reason she can't make a living as a sprinter. Regardless of where she finishes in the pack this summer, Gevaert will draw additional attention in Beijing, and athletes who get extra attention for being attractive get extra dollars (or euros, as the case may be) to endorse products.

After all, if you owned a company that made small tortilla-like foodstuffs, wouldn't you want a spokeswoman who could do this? Personally, I would. But here at FanHouse, we value your opinion, so participate in our Attractive Olympian poll after the pictures below of women kissing Gevaert.

A Belgian delicacy that tastes at least as good as the waffles.

Breaking Down the Basics

Age	29
Hair	Brown
Eyes	Brown
Look	Has that Franka Potente "obviously European" thing going on
Attractive friends?	Check
Gratuitous waffle joke	Already made in the caption above
Ready-made Nike ad	Made possible by thighs, Lycra
Additional photo galleries	Here and here

Presentation of Medals

*When judging, assume that Gold suggests a future a of GoDaddy.com-level of endorsements, and Bronze points toward appearances in local circulars.

Attractive Olympians

Maria Sharapova This will be the first Olympics for the Russian tennis star, who has won three Grand Slam titles.

Brad Barket/Getty Images for IMG

Laure Manaudou: The French swimmer and Gold medal winner in the 400m freestyle holds the world records for the 400m freestyle and 200m freestyle.

Getty Images

Anna Bessonova Ukrainian rhythmic gymnast won bronze at the 2004 games and earned gold at the World Championships in '07.

TATYANA MAKEYEVA/AFP/Getty Images

Demetrius Andrade The reigning world AIBA boxing champion at 152 pounds, Andrade was a Golden Glove winner in '06 and '07.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Alicia Sacramone: A member of the United States gymnastics team since 2003, Sacramone has earned seven medals from three world championships.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Ana Ivanovic: Serbian tennis player reached the semifinals of Wimbledon in 2007 and the 2008 Australian Open final.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Jennie Finch: Pitched the USA to gold in 2004. She and her teammates have many fans, none more so than Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys.

Mark Davis/Getty Images

Apolo Anton Ohno: U.S. short track speed skater won TV's Dancing With the Stars, and has earned five Olympic medals, including gold in the 500m at the 2006 games.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Kris Freeman: Competed for the U.S. Ski Team in cross country at the 2002 and '06 games, finishing 14th in Salt Lake City.

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

James Blake: No. 9 pro tennis player in the world says he plans to represent the U.S. at the Beijing games.

Vince Bucci/Getty Images

(Hat tip: Sports by Brooks)

Attractive Olympian: Sprinter Kim Gevaert originally appeared on Olympics FanHouse on Thu, 29 May 2008 18:53:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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