The London 2012 Olympics kicked off in London last Friday night. The opening ceremony gathered all of the athletes who qualified to compete in various sporting events.

One of the reasons why people, especially women, watch the Olympics is because of the sports hunks that are also named as the world's greatest athletes. These athletes compete in very tight or minimal clothing. Thus, Olympics has become an ogling occasion for many women.

Olympics is a haven for some women as it is full of muscular and gorgeous men who have the discipline and heart to win the competition.

For the good of humanity, IBTimes AU made a list of the hottest athletes in the competition. However, due to the overwhelming numbers of handsome men gathered in this year's Olympics, this is the first part of the two-part list of the hunks that will compete in the worldwide sporting event.

The swimming event has become a parade of heartthrobs with a lineup of handsome men with well-toned bodies. Australia is crowded with hot and gorgeous swimmers like Ian Thorpe and James Magnussen. The two will battle against US equally beautiful swimmers Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps.

Michael Phelps recently made a world history by having the most medal won in Olympics. He just earned his 15th gold medal in this year's sporting event.

Germany has its own representative in swimming with cute face Helge Meeuw. Meeuw once said that swimming is his life.

The boxing ring has a different aura when Italian boxer Clemente Russo will fire his jabs and hooks. The boxer has become an epitome of face and power. Even his bruised face looked gorgeous. Because of his looks, he is a celebrity endorser of Dolce and Gabbana.

See the slideshow for the photos of the hunks competing with their body and heart in this year's Olympics.

Gold Germany Australia London