Seven-time U.S. Olympic swimming medalist Amanda Beard knows that not every workout is fun. But she never quits. "There are days when I just don't feel like pushing myself," says Beard. "But when I hit a low point in a workout, I remind myself that I have to push through—I mentally shift from 'I'm too tired' to 'I'll feel great after a good workout.'" And good for us that she does, because her decades of training have sculpted one of the best bodies in America.
Even though her killer curves and stunning blue eyes have graced the pages of Playboy, don't be afraid to say hello if you cross lanes with her. "It's really cool when guys approach me with questions about how to become a better swimmer," she says. "Women can work out just as hard as men, and it's neat when guys put aside their pride and ask a girl for advice."
Beard is only one of the competitive, dedicated and did we mention gorgeous? -- women on our list of the 12 Sexiest Olympians.
*- Alex Morgan, Soccer
As you cheer on the U.S. national women's soccer team in London, keep an eye out for Alex Morgan. The 5-7, 140-pound forward at 23, a youngster on the team -- attributes her success to her dedication: "It's easy to push yourself when people are watching, but hard to put in the work when nobody's there." Morgan runs up to 60 miles a week and does plenty of strength and core work -- she can squat 195 pounds and hold a plank for 4 minutes. But she's no fan of unwanted attention at the gym, and red-carded this tactic: "Don't come behind me and fix my posture unless I ask you to." She did cite a simple approach that might work at a bar, though. "A guy walked past me, turned around, and told me my perfume smelled really great and asked what kind it was." (You, too, can turn heads -- by using Travis Stork's Lean Belly Prescription to flatten your belly for good.)
*- Lolo Jones, Track
In Beijing, Lolo Jones was favored to win the 100-meter hurdles. And in the final, she was flying, her perfect legs a beautiful blur. Then the unthinkable: The 5-9, 140-pound sprinter's trailing knee clipped the ninth of 10 hurdles. Robbed of her rhythm, she stumbled to the line, placing seventh. Since then, Jones, 29, has worked even harder on the track, in the gym, and on Twitter. Reading @lolojones you glimpse the drive -- and mental approach -- that could help put her on the podium in London. For instance: "100 days out from Olympics, if he’s not a Licensed Foot Massage Therapist he’s not getting a date" or "Def have a cavity, Not fixing it. The surging pain in my mouth will keep me from gaining weight." Jones will be something of an underdog in London having battled injuries in 2011. But if anything, the setbacks have only made her stronger -- and wiser. "When you get injured, it's usually because your body is fatigued and you’re pushing it to the max," says Jones. "Rest is just as important as working hard -- you need a good balance of both." For more stay-healthy tips from one of the country's top sports doctors, pick up your copy of Pick up a copy of The Athlete's Book of Home Remedies today. Want a fitness plan that'll get you as fit as an Olympian? Check out The Spartacus Workout, the most popular workout in Men's Health history.
*- Allyson Felix, Track
Now heading into her third Olympics, 26-year-old sprinter Allyson Felix has been around the track more than a few times. She's hoping her past successes (two silvers in the 200 meters, one gold in the 400-meter relay) will help her win individual gold in London. The 5-6, 125-pound Californian loves the gym—she can deadlift 250-plus pounds and power clean 150 pounds -- but she admits to hating long runs. "They're the worst, so I train with friends," she says. "When I make a date with my friend [for a long run], I can't back out, and we can chat for some of the run. It makes it better."
*- Nastia Liukin, Gymnastics
Winner of all-around gymnastics gold at the 2008 Games, Nastia Liukin, 22, has an old-school fitness secret: Work your butt off. Liukin, who is 5-4 and 110 pounds, trains 7 hours most days, combining calisthenics, core work, and lots of apparatus-specific drills. "I also run six times a week -- about 3 miles each time," says Liukin. "Running keeps me strong." To speed recovery, she sees a masseuse twice a week, receives regular acupuncture treatments, and uses a foam roller. "The foam roller is a good way to hit your hamstrings, quads, and IT bands -- and you can do it yourself anywhere." (Look and perform your best by discovering The Secret to Six-Pack Abs.)
*- Jessica Hardy, Swimming
Having a shot at Olympic gold is motivation enough to exercise, but even elite athletes need an occasional push. "Don't wait to work out -- get started first thing in the morning before you have time to talk yourself out of it," says swimmer Jessica Hardy, who will make her Olympic debut in London. “Not only will you have the gym to yourself and avoid the crowds, but you’ll also feel refreshed and rejuvenated for the rest of the day.” Want to join her for a workout? "Keep in mind that women are sometimes even more competitive than men,” she says teasingly. "You already know that we like to get our way -- that carries over into the gym, too."
*- Alicia Sacramone, Gymnastics
United States gymnast Alicia Sacramone is no stranger to the Games. In 2008, she helped the women's team win silver in Beijing, although critics suggest that her falls on both the floor and the beam held the team back from the gold. After retiring briefly from competition in 2009, she returned with a vengeance, winning first place in the vault and the beam in the 2010 U.S. National Championships and the gold in the vault and a silver in the team competition in the 2010 World Championships. After winning the gold in the team competition in the 2011 World Championships, she became the most decorated American gymnast in the history of the competition. How does she feel about London? "I'm in better shape now than when I was at the last Olympics," she told espnW. Note to competition: Watch out.
Want more? Click here to see Our Full List Of The Sexiest Olympians.
*- Natalie Coughlin, Swimming
This multiple medal winner is also a big foodie.
*- Jen Kessy
An All-American at USC, Kessy forms one of the world's top tandems with April Ross.
*- Kelci Bryant, Diving
A fixture on the national team since 2005, Bryant has also won three NCAA titles with Minnesota.
*- Hope Solo, Soccer
World Cup last summer was her break-through event.
*- Sundace Parker, Basketball
She won gold at Beijing in 2008.
*- Lauren Cheyney
She was a four-time first-time All American at UCLA.
*- Amy Rodriguez
She assisted on the goal that clinched the gold for the U.S. at the 2008 Olympics.
*- Sanya Richards-Ross
She already has two relay golds and an individual bronze from the 2004 and 2008 Olympics.
*- April Ross
Ross and teammate Jen Kessy are pushing Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor for U.S. supremacy.
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