25 Athletes Who Make Better Models

While most athletes dominate their craft with a relentless sense of determination, there are others who are seemingly more prolific in front of a camera.

From precisely-scripted photo shoots to accidentally sexy action shots, these female athletes continue to occupy the eager minds of sports fans.

As these women (and one man) claw and scratch for athletic recognition, they continue to be more revered for their sexy on-screen nature than for their athleticism.

Here are 25 athletes who make better models. Enjoy.

25. Anna Rawson

Despite missing the cut at the 2004 LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament, Anna Rawson has never had trouble earning recognition for her talents.

As she continues to increase golf's viewership, it becomes even clearer that few women can match her sexiness on the course.

24. Ashley Massaro

There are few things this sexy wrestler hasn't been involved in.

Having garnered fame for her work with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Ashley Massaro has appeared on Survivor: China and in many magazines, such as the April 2007 issue of Playboy.

Her beauty has undoubtedly opened the door to many opportunities throughout her wrestling career.

23. Krystal Gray

She may not be dominating the modeling field just yet, but Lingerie Football League quarterback Krystal Gray has the natural ability to excite any audience.

Her sensual nature on the camera and her viciousness away from it give fans plenty of optimism.

22. Natalie Gulbis

With only one LPGA Tour win, it's safe to say sexy golfer Natalie Gulbis is recognized more for her provocative photo shoots than for her athletic prowess.

While her three professional wins headline her somewhat-prosperous career, the former University of Arizona star's photo shoot with FHM shot her right to the top of the sports world.

21. Danica Patrick

While she's certainly applauded for being the only woman to win in the IndyCar Series, as well as being perhaps the most successful woman in the history of racing, Danica Patrick seems more interested in her sexy talents on camera.

Her voluptuous nature in front of the lens causes us to question her priorities.

20. Kristi Leskinen

She may have been the first woman ever to pull a rodeo 720, but American freestyle skier Kristi Leskinen seems to have a greater passion for the physical sport of modeling.

After appearing on the cover of Powder magazine's Photo Annual in 2004, the snow star never looked back.

19. Amanda Beard

She may be a seven-time Olympic medalist, but Amanda Beard has used beauty and a sexy ability for the provocative photo shoot to elevate to the top of the sports world.

With appearances in FHM, the 2006 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition and the July 2007 issue of Playboy, Beard is far beyond scraping the edge of stardom.

18. Clair Bidez

Despite just missing a chance to compete at the 2010 Winter Olympics, this half-pipe specialist garnered a significant bit of attention for her on-camera prowess.

She has no need to worry about her lack of athletic success.

17. Lacy Schnoor

Considering her best World Cup finish was eighth in a 2007 aerials event in Canada and her Olympic debut resulted in a ninth-place finish in 2010, it's safe to assume that freestyle skier Lacy Schnoor is also developing a potent modeling prowess as she continues to battle the slopes. 

This may be the least provocative account of her promising ability.

16. Joey Davenport

Lingerie Football League players may often find themselves entrenched in a modeling career as well, but that doesn't mean some aren't still elite in the eyes of fans.

Los Angeles Temptation quarterback Joey Davenport uses her entire 5'6" frame to fight off defenders and all of her iconic beauty to attract fans.

15. Kiira Korpi

This Finnish figure skater may be a two-time Finnish National Champion, but she's undeniably earning more respect for her natural beauty than for her numerous accolades.

Her diverse pictures never cease to amaze fans.

14. Anna Kournikova

Considering she never won a WTA singles title, it's somewhat curious as to why Anna Kournikova has garnered so much attention.

As we reflect on her work with FHM, Maxim and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, the reverence for her becomes more than slightly justified.

13. Ashley Harkleroad

With a career-high ranking of No. 39, Ashley Harkleroad clearly doesn't garner attention for her athletic ability.

As the first WTA tennis player to pose naked for Playboy, an illustrious modeling career was ignited.

12. Biba Golic

Table tennis may not be a worldwide phenomenon, but it's certainly attracting new fans with the arrival of the sexy Biba Golic.

Her ability to return a vicious serve isn't as dissected as her beauty is.

11. Roberta Mancino

This Italian skydiver, base jumper, wingsuit flyer and international model has seemingly found the perfect attraction. 

While she's participated in 7,000 skydives and set several world records, it is her naked skydives that have fans intrigued. 

She appears to have already dominated the world of modeling.

10. Anna Semenovich

While she was a Russian bronze medalist, former competitive ice dancer and current singer, Anna Semenovich was clearly more threatening with a limited dress code.

Her sexy nature was only hindered by a career on ice.

9. Alex Morgan

More like every fan's dream and less of a qualified model, sexy soccer star Alex Morgan seems to be set for the spotlight.

While she was the youngest player on the USA's roster at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, the 22-year-old seems more dominant on camera than she is on the soccer field.

8. Ana Ivanovic

Despite being a former No. 1 with 11 WTA Tour wins, Ana Ivanovic will always garner the most worldwide attention for her prolific on-camera ability.

With a natural casualness that reeks of confidence, this sexy tennis star seems to be cementing her beauty in the sports world.

7. Melissa Mikkelsen

As the Lingerie Football League continues to provide us with a wide array of beautiful women with the physicality to succeed on the gridiron, it becomes even more clear as to why modeling is a sport.

They may run sprints, knock heads and have pasta night, but these football players must concentrate just as much on their relationship with the camera as they do on their athletics.

6. Niki Gudex

Having been listed among the hundred sexiest women in the world in the Australian edition of FHM from 2002-2006 seemingly makes Niki Gudex a bit more revered for her beauty than for her ability on the hills.

With the glaring eyes to attract a crowd and the potential to halt a competition, it's safe to say this professional biker's lack of wins come from her inability to avoid the camera.

5. Andre Smith

A former star offensive tackle for the University of Alabama, Andre Smith's career hasn't exactly come to fruition as the Cincinnati Bengals had hoped when they made him the sixth overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft.

With a 40-yard time of 5.28 and a disastrous 19 repetitions of 225 pounds at the combine, some were baffled as to how his draft stock remained high.

It was seemingly Smith's sexy demeanor that intrigued scouts.

4. Maria Kanellis

Also known as Maria, this sexy Diva may be known for her work with the WWE, but it was her appearance on the cover of the April 2008 issue of Playboy that had fans salivating.

Maria Kanellis may be off-limits now that she's allegedly dating Mike Bennett, but her pictures will certainly suffice.

3. Bia and Branca Feres

Considering these attention-grabbing, synchronized-swimming twins didn't participate at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, one should assume that these Brazilian beauties found their real calling.

After being featured on the cover of VIP and appearing in Maxim, these two clearly have enough resume experience to complement their jaw-dropping photo albums.

2. Leryn Franco

With her personal best in the javelin throw being a last-place finish at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro yet her recognition is arguably the highest of any female athlete, it's safe to say Leryn Franco was blessed with another talent.

While her beauty is undeniable, it's her laid-back air that excites her viewers.

1. Alana Blanchard

She may be a 21-year-old budding star with an endless list of worldwide accolades, but smooth-surfing hottie Alana Blanchard has the breathtaking beauty that puts her athletic ability to shame.

As prolific as she is on a board, Blanchard's beauty remains supreme.