RIO DE JANEIRO – With the Olympics headed into its fifth day, it has not just been the sporting prowess and athletic talent that have caught the eye. The ripped bodies of some of the world’s best athletes have kept fans glued to the action. The Straits Times takes a closer look at some of these men and women who have excelled at looking their best.
MEN
1. Ning Zetao, 23 (China)
Ning Zetao of China prepares to compete at the 2016 Rio Olympics on Aug 9. PHOTO: REUTERS
Competes in: Swimming
Ning, who took home four golds at the 2014 Asian Games, was also voted the most attractive male athlete. His dashing looks have drawn an overwhelming response on social media, with thousands of fans praising him for being “handsome” and of “husband material” on his Weibo page.
2. Thomas Daley, 22 (Great Britain)
Thomas Daley during the men’s synchronised 10m platform contest during the diving event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre in Rio de Janeiro on Aug 8. PHOTO: AFP
Competes in: Diving
It is not difficult to see why he was the poster boy of the 2012 London Games, where he won bronze in the 10m platform. He has already made a splash in Rio, having won bronze in the synchronised 10m platform.
When to catch him: 10m platform, Aug 20, 3am (Singapore time)
AFP, Reuters, The Straits Times
6.jpg)
3. Ashton Baumann, 23 (Canada)
Competes in: Swimming
His attractive physique and tight abdominal muscles have seen him listed among the top 10 hottest Canadian athletes in Rio by the Toronto Sun. If only he made the top 10 after the 200m breaststroke heats. A 24th-place finish overall means we will not get to see him in the semi-finals. Bummer.
4. Alex Ranghieri, 29 (Italy)
Alex Ranghieri plays with the ball during the men’s beach volleyball qualifying match between Italy and Canada at the Beach Volley Arena in Rio de Janeiro on Aug 8. PHOTO: AFP
Competes in: Beach Volleyball
When he spikes, heart rates spike.
When to catch him: Aug 11, 2.30am
5. Pita Nikolas Taufatofua, 32 (Tongo)
Flagbearer Pita Nikolas Taufatofua of Tonga leads his contingent during the athletes’ parade at the opening ceremony of the 2016 Rio Olympics. PHOTO: REUTERS
Competes in: Taekwondo
He became an instant internet sensation when he marched into the opening ceremony during the athletes’ parade at the Maracana stadium shirtless, bathed in coconut oil, and boasting a glistening torso. And his popularity only heightened when he announced he is single.
When to catch him: Over 80kg, Aug 20
6. Marcel Nguyen, 28 (Germany)
Marcel Nguyen of Germany competes on the horizontal bar at the 2016 Rio Olympics. PHOTO: REUTERS
Competes in: Gymnastics
The double Olympic medallist helped Germany finish seventh in the artistic team all-around event. He will be looking to wow the judges as much as his female fans in the individual event.
When to catch him: Individual all-around, Aug 11, 3am
7. Jordan Burroughs, 28 (USA)
Competes in: Wrestling
You have to feel for his rivals. They have to grapple with the defending champion and the fact that Burroughs has a great physique.
When to catch him: Freestyle 74kg, Aug 19
8. Asafa Powell, 33 (Jamaica)
Jamaica’s Asafa Powell (in Green) is challenged by Senoj-Jay Givans (in White) in the men’s 100m quarter-finals at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica, on June 30. PHOTO: AFP
Competes in: Athletics
Let us just say that sprint legend Usain Bolt is not the only reason one should watch the Jamaican relay team.
When to catch him: 4x100m relay, Aug 18
Read also: Athletics: Powell clocks world-leading 9.84 seconds
WOMEN
1. Darya Klishina, 25 (Russia)
Darya Klishina of Russia competes at the Meteor Stadium, Zhukovsky, Russia, on June 4. PHOTO: REUTERS
Competes in: Athletics
The 1.8m blonde is also a model. She will definitely not go unnoticed when she steps on the runway next Wednesday.
When to catch her: Women’s long jump, Aug 17
2. Garbine Muguruza, 22 (Spain)
Garbine Muguruza celebrates after winning against Andreea Mitu of Romania in a women’s singles first round match at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug 7. PHOTO: AFP
Competes in: Tennis
She is having one of her hottest seasons, having won her maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open in June.
When to catch her: Mixed doubles, Aug 14
Read also: Tennis: Muguruza hails new generation, in awe of Serena
3. Mariana Pajon, 24 (Colombia)
Mariana Pajon shows her gold medal after winning the UCI BMX World Championships Elite Womens Moto Race on May 29 in Medellin, Colombia. PHOTO: AFP
Competes in: Cycling
Watching her compete promises to be wheely good fun.
When to catch her: BMX individual, Aug 18
4. Kassidy Cook, 21 (USA)
Competes in: Diving
This beauty literally has a good head on her shoulders – she is on a scholarship at Stanford University.
When to catch her: 3m springboard, Aug 13
5. Jaqueline Carvalho, 32 (Brazil)
Competes in: Volleyball
She is what you would call a model athlete. The 1.86m-tall part-time model has gold medals from the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Games. She also has a three-year-old son.
When to catch her: Brazil vs Japan, Aug 11, 9.35am
6. Michelle Jenneke, 23 (Australia)
Michelle Jenneke of Australia reacts after the girls’ 100m hurdles final at Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games at Bishan Sports Hall in Singapore on Aug 21, 2010. PHOTO: XINHUA
Competes in: Athletics
It will be worth tuning in just to see if she warms up like she did at the 2012 World Junior Championships.
When to catch her: 100m hurdles, Aug 16
7. Olga Safronova, 24 (Kazakhstan)
Competes in: Athletics
Unfortunately, she does not feature in the marathon. Her pet event will be over in a matter of seconds.
When to catch her: Women’s 100m, Aug 12
8. Son Yeon Jae, 22 (South Korea)
Competes in: Rhythmic gymnastics
Known by her fans as “Fairy”, the petite athlete has brought much publicity to the elegant sport and was the first in her country to reach the all-around final in London 2012.
When to catch her: Individual all-around, Aug 19
This article was first published on Aug 11, 2016.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.
