With the 2008 Summer Olympics about to get underway, we thought we'd take a look at one of the beefcakiest Olympic arenas: the swimming pool.

If there's one thing the summer version of the games has over the winter games, it's the abundance of half-naked guys. And if there's one thing that the diving/swimming events have over any other event (even figure skating!), it's the number of gay men who have competed. Whether they competed as out men at the time, or came out later, there's no denying that the water has an allure for gay athletes, and these gay athletes certainly have an allure for us.

Matthew Mitcham (AUS)

We've mentioned Australian Matthew Mitcham before, but he deserves another showing. This 20 year old will be competing as part of the Aussie diving team as an out and proud gay man.

Mark Tewksbury (CAN)

Canadian Mark Tewksbury won bronze, silver, and gold medals in the 1988 and 1992 Olympics (and made the cover of Time magazine). He came out a few years later (losing a six-figure contract as a motivational speaker because he was "too openly gay"), and has since become an important gay activist in Canada.

Andrew Langenfeld (USA TBA)

American Andrew Langenfeld competed last week for a spot on the Olympics team. While posting a personal best, he didn't make the cut, but look for this out hot, buff cutie athlete to be a big name in the future.

See more glistening gay bodies after the break.

Greg Louganis (USA)

Greg Louganis is one of the most famous gay olympians, and one of the most accomplished. He won four gold medals diving for the U.S., and has become one of the most well recognized gay athletes ever.

Johan Kenkhuis (NED)

Dutch Olympian Johan Kenkhuis won bronze and silver medals in the freestyle events in the 2000 and 2004 games, before retiring to attend college.

Dan Veatch (USA)

Dan Veatch was on the American swim team in 1988, and just missed winning a medal. (And apparently enjoys diving off the back of trucks!)

Brian Jacobson (USA TBA)

Like Andrew Langenfeld, out swimmer Brian Jacobson competed last week for a place on the American Olympic swim team. Unfortunately, Brian missed the cut, but he's another name to remember.

David Pichler (USA)

David Pichler was elected the team captain of the American swim team at the 2000 Olympics. Unfortunately, David just missed winning a medal.

Patrick Jeffrey (USA)

American Patrick Jeffrey was a five time national diving champion, but just barely missed winning a medal at the 1996 Olympic games.

Any waterbabies we missed? Share 'em in the comments!