Our first Olympic Stud of the Day* was, of course, chosen for his performance at last night’s opening ceremony. (Read our best and worst moments.) We were looking for enthusiasm. First, we considered Liechtenstein’s flagbearer, Marcel Tschopp, a track and field athlete who didn’t let the fact that he was one of two people representing his country stop him from fist-pumping. Then, we were drawn to Kevin Cordon, the smiling flagbearer from Guatemala who apparently heard Bob Costas when he said that Cordon had drawn one of China’s badminton standouts in the first round of competition, so perhaps he should enjoy himself now. But in the end, Italian flagbearer Antonio Rossi (pictured) had three things those gentlemen didn’t: Three hundred plus countrymen acting as though they’d hit the vino while awaiting their walk in the parade of nations. (Probably with Brazil and Spain.) The ability to reduce broadcast-fatigued Costas and Matt Lauer to a "Marco … Polo" joke. And a sport jacket that hugged his back muscles.
So, congratulations, Antonio Rossi. We look forward to watching you compete in Flatwater — as soon as we find out what that is. (Something involving a canoe or kayak, allegedly.)
Nominate your own Stud of the Day from last night’s opening ceremony below. Come back daily for our next pick.
* Not just a man or woman who turns us on. (Necessarily.)
The flag bearer from England was meow-wow! Very hunky. I think he is a swimmer.
Not necessarily a stud persay, but I have always loved Sergei Bubka. Seeing him last night leading the Ukrainian team brought a smile to my face.
Ben W-T
http://sfist.com/2008/08/08/hot_bay_area_olympians_ben_wildmant.php
the male swimmers have the best bodies. not too muscular like the weightlifters and not too girly like the male gymnasts.
I would nominate Yao Ming. He was the best babysitter I’ve ever seen.
I think the flagbearer from Poland was pretty hot (and very happy too).
Ditto on the Yao Ming comments. That little kid was too cute for words, and he had the best view in the house.
I’m sorry but the male gymnasts bodies that I saw in the competitions this morning are not girly at all http://www.elpais.com/fotografia/LiXiaopeng/durante/prueba/hoy/elpdiadep/20080809elpepudep_36/Ies/
But I do agree that swimmers have the best bodies…
Yao Ming and the little boy were amazing together. That was really sweet.
Personally, Roger Federer has always been a stud. The opening ceremonies was no different story for him.
did anyone notice how many hot guys were in the parade of countries? i love the olympics =)
Although I didn’t see any last night, male divers have the best bodies — as well-muscled as swimmers, but without the barrel chests. Plus they compete almost naked. So let this serve as a pre-emptive nomination for any Olympic diver that may be shown over the next two weeks. The Olympics rule!
roger federer.. what a guy !!
The gentleman from Guatemala caught my eye as well. Bob and Matt were cracking me up when they got “punchy.”
On the stud front, there were quite a few guys in those Netherlands suits (the gray ones with white piping) looking goood.
rafael nadal looked hott. i loved how much he was smiling when he was walking w/ spain.
Heck yes Roger Federer!
Guatemala!!!!!!!