The 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver is filled with many storylines, riveting stories of redemption, grit, fortitude and determination. When I hear these words, the names Jacobellis, Vonn, Kearney and Belbin come to mind.
The US Women's Team is comprised of, not only the strongest class of athlete in the world, but also the most beautiful competitors. Sorry ladies, I know you are serious athletes, but you can be both.....so be proud of it!
Every night we watch in awe as their physical talents far surpass their striking looks. These women are why we become sports fans every four years. They keep us warm for two weeks during the cold, chilly nights in February.
Below are our picks for the most talented Olympians who are also easy on the eyes. Vote for who you think is the hottest.
10. Hannah Kearney, 24, Women's Downhill Mogul, Vermont
Hannah finished a disappointing 22nd in Torino but has come back with a vengeance. She won the first Gold medal of 2010 for Team USA by edging out Canada's Jennifer Heil in the women's downhill mogul. In her spare time she knits for charity and takes care of her dog, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, who she has said is the best thing that has ever happened to her.
9. Nicole Joraanstad, 30, Curling, Wisconsin
Joraadnstad's father, Gary, introduced Nicole to the sport at age 15 and since then, she has never looked back. Joraanstad's team made it to the US Junior Nationals during her first year competing. From that moment on, her love for the sport grew into a desire to win it all. She intends to get a curling-themed tattoo after every championship. Nicole enjoys running, fitness and cooking when she is not on the ice.
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8. Bree Schaaf, 30, Bobsled, Washington
Bree made the switch from skeleton to bobsled in 2007 and won USA Bobsled Rookie of the Year honors in 2009. Bree was ranked 4th, a career best, in the 2009-2010 World Cup opener. Schaaf is also a proud philanthropist; she has spent her off time volunteering as a camp counselor at the Seattle Children's Hospital camp near Mt. Rainier. She also plays the piano and enjoys sewing, cooking and reading.
7. Erin Hamlin, 23, Luge, New York
Vancouver marks Erin's 2nd Olympic appearance. Hamlin's biggest achievement to date was snapping a 99 consecutive international winning streak by the Germans by winning the World title in 2009. When Hamlin isn't on the track, see enjoys playing soccer, kayaking, horseback riding and biking.
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6. Jinelle Zaugg-Siergiej, 24, Women's Ice Hockey, Wisconsin
Jinelle is making her Olympic debut in Vancouver. She competed on the World's Team in 2007 and earned a silver medal. Prior to earning a spot on the national team, Jinelle was a member of the Wisconsin Badgers women's hockey team, where she won 2 NCAA titles.
5. Lindsey Jacobellis, 24, Women's Snowboard Cross, Vermont
Lindsey was the Torino Silver Medalist, two-time World Champion and two-time World Cup champ. Jacobellis has a larger goal in mind, redemption. In Torino she had the Gold medal sewn up and held an insurmountable lead heading into the last jump when the unimaginable happened. Lindsey attempted an unnecessary trick, lost her grip and fell. Gold quickly turned to silver. Unfortunately, her luck did not turn and she was disqualified this year for falling during her qualifying heat in Vancouver. During the off season, Lindsey is involved with charitable causes involving animals through the ASPCA. And she will always be one of our favorite Olympians.
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4. Lindsey Vonn, 25, Alpine Skier, Colorado
Lindsey has become the face of the 2010 Olympic games, receiving plenty of publicity heading into Vancouver regarding her shin injury. Vonn plans to compete as planned, how's that for grit and tenacity! She is the two-time World Cup champ but she is in search of her first Olympic medal.
3. Gretchen Bleiler, 29, Women's Halfpipe Snowboarding, Colorado
In the heavily male dominated sport of snowboarding, Gretchen is becoming a household name. She is regarded by many as the face of women's snowboarding. Bleiler was the silver medalist in Torino, gold that year went to best friend/teammate Hannah Teter. In addition to competing on the world stage, Bleiler also has an impressive modeling portfolio. She famously posed for the cover of FHM wearing only a brushed-on bikini. To make her resume even more impressive, Bleiler has started her own clothing line with Oakley, the Gretchen Bleiler Collection.
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2. Allison Baver, 30, Short Track Speed Skating, Pennsylvania
Vancouver is Baver's 3rd Olympic games. She competed in three events in Torino, with her best finish being 4th in the 3000m relay. She also finished 7th in the 500m and 12th in the 1500m. Allison was the US Champion in 2006-07 and finished 6th overall in 2008-09 for the 1500m World Cup. During the off time, Allison enjoys yoga, shopping, cheerleading, photography and dancing.
1. Tanith Belbin, 26, Ice Dancing, Michigan
Canadian born, Tanith Belbin became a US citizen before the winter games in Torino. Together, she and partner, Ben Agosto won the silver medal. Gold is the next stop for Belbin and Agosto. Coincidentally, her "roomie" during the games in Vancouver is men's figure skater Johnny Weir. Weir and Belbin are known as the "odd couple" and are the self proclaimed "divas" of the Olympic Village.
You go girls! Good luck Team USA, you make us proud.
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