5 Hottest Hunks at the Winter Olympics

Shaun White, Snow Boarding (USA)

Most famous for his fiery red curls, childish pranks and infectious smile, it’s easy to forget what an amazing athlete snowboarder Shaun White really is. Nicknamed “The Flying Tomato,” Shaun is one of the most colorful personalities at the Olympics and has already warned both competitors and fans to expect “Total chaos!” as he defends the gold medal he won in the men’s half pipe in 2006. “I think they’re going to see a pretty wild show. I’m excited to show up with some new tricks that I don’t think anyone has done before,” says the California-born 23-year-old. Even if the Carrot Top look isn’t your thing, White’s sense of humor and boundless energy amps up his hunk status – and who can resist a guy who can do all those awe-inspiring jumps and twists?

Benjamin Raich, Alpine Skiing (Austria)

Known as the “Blitz from the Pitz” because of the unbelievable speed that he has as he flies down the mountains of his hometown of Pitztal, Austria, Benjamin Raich is heading to Vancouver defending the two gold medals that he won at the Turin Olympics in 2006. The sport is definitely in his blood - sister Carina is also a professional skier, and his future children will no doubt be strapping on skis before they can walk, as Benjamin is engaged to fellow Austrian skier Marlies Schild. When the 27-year-old is not ruling the slopes, can be found bungee jumping and rock climbing.

Sidney Crosby, Hockey (Canada)

Although their teams don’t face off very often in the NHL, Canadian-born hockey sensation Sidney Crosby is undoubtedly Alex Ovechkin’s biggest rival and he’s equally excited about a possible  Russia-Canada battle for gold, admitting that their competitive rivalry has turned into a “hate relationship” on and off the ice. “You cannot believe what this means to Canada,” says the 22-year-old superstar from Nova Scotia, about the Olympics being held in his homeland. “We cannot be second.” Nicknamed Sid the Kid because of his boyish good looks and charismatic charm, Sidney’s speed and skill make him virtually unstoppable on the ice when he plays in the U.S. for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Despite the violence of the fight-filled sport, this eligible bachelor has kept his model good looks (phew!) and even did a raunchy shirtless photo shoot for GQ magazine a couple of years ago.

Tell us: Do you have a favorite Winter Olympics athlete?

Debbie Emery is a Los Angeles-based writer who specializes in health and fitness.

Photo source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7