25 Hot Athletes Who Could Be the Next Leryn Franco

Everybody wants to be considered a winner when it comes to sports—but the reality is there are far more losers.

It is a well known theory that most women who win in sports aren't the best looking. Sure there are the Jennie Finch's, Maria Sharapova's, and Lindsey Vonn's of the world that have the unique combination of athleticism and beauty.

But for most women, it's one or the other.

Leryn Franco may be somewhat decent at javelin...but did you see her spread in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue?

Here is an ode to the girls that don't win very often—but look damn good trying.

25. Victoria Vanucci

She was a promising young tennis player before a shoulder injury killed her career.

Good thing you can't tell her shoulder is messed up in pictures.

She is now a model and has appeared in publications like Maxim and Playboy.

24. Daniela Hantuchova

This tennis player from Slovakia has won a couple tennis matches on the WTA tour in the last three years..

I bet you didn't know that.

But you may know that she appeared in the '09 Sports Illustrated swimsuit Issue.

23. Mia St. John

Not sure how a female boxer could make the list...but Mia is worthy. She is also into Tae Kwon Do. Don't mess with this chick.

She was able to duck and cover many a punches in her day to keep the face looking good.

She was on the cover of Playboy in 1999.

22. Kristi Leskinen

This ski bunny won two silver medals at the X-Games back in '05.

She won a gold medal after this photo shoot.

21. Natalie Gulbis

The 26-year-old golfer is able to overcome all dunes in the way of her ball...no matter how big.

She is atop the LPGA leader board in a few categories—just not victories.

20. Christine Arron

She runs track and field for the France national team and specializes in sprinting.

I would be a much better sprinter if I was chasing her.

19. Gina Carano

She got some national attention when she rocked spandex in American Gladiators. Watching her beat other women with a giant stick can be pretty entertaining.

But her Maxim shoot got everybody's attention.  

18. Francesca Piccinini

Two Italian volleyball players in a row?

Yessir.

Apparently Francesca has a pretty killer serve.

I know you were really wondering about that vital information.

17. Lokelani McMichael

This Hawaiian beauty has been a model for Maxim and GQ in the past.

In case you were wondering...she competes in triathlons.

16. Gretchen Bleiler

One of the hottest snowboarders in the country lives in Aspen, Colorado.

No word on if she single-handedly melts the snow as she rips down a mountain.

I would like to know what's so funny.

15. Stacy Keibler

Stacy used to be a cheerleader for the Baltimore Ravens before turning to professional wrestling and the WWE.

Now she is trying a career as an actress. What about Brian, anyone? In the Motherhood? Samuari Girl?

Stick to modeling, Stacy.

14. Allison Stokke

This pole vaulter from Cal didn't have much of a athletic career (notice the cast).

But I can think of another career that may be a bit more lucrative.

13. Amy Taylor

Amy was a member of the Australian soccer national team back in the year 2000. She didn't record any stats at all.

More importantly...there is a nude calender out there with her and the rest of her soccer team. Just saying.

12. Ashley Harkleroad

She actually cracked the top 40 in the world tennis rankings once upon a time.

She also cracked the cover of Playboy.

Ashley has got to be one of the most accomplished girls on this list.

11. Ana Paula Mancino

This Brazilian bombshell started playing volleyball at the age of 12.

She relocated from one country with a bunch of hot chicks to another when she moved to Italy.

Italian volleyball anyone?

Didn't think so.

She cut short her V-ball career, to pursue something a little less demanding on her body.

10. Malia Jones

Surf's up!

Malia has sent tidal waves through every ocean she has rode in. Apparently, she has inspired lots of young girls to pursue surfing.

Sounds good to me.

9. Maria Kirilenko

This Russian tennis player has absolutely no achievements worth noting.

But she is super hot and is best friends with Maria Sharapova.

Advantage, Maria.

8. Jenny Adams

This track and field athlete is potentially going to compete in the 2012 Olympics.

I'd say she can call it a day after her thrashing of the competition in the “Sexy Olympic” edition of FHM.

7. Haley Cope

Haley is a swimmer that likes to use an American Flag as a towel. She has won a few medals at the World Championships, but clearly has done her best work outside the pool.

She has appeared in Maxim and Playboy, amongst other publications.

6. Bia and Branca Feres

These two twins from Brazil represented their country in the 2007 Pan American Games.

The sport?

Synchronized swimming, of course.

5. Danica Patrick

The Indy Car driver made plenty of headlines when she decided to race professionally. But after years of mediocre finishes...well...she is now better known for her godaddy.com ads.

At least she is still relevant.

Now, can you please give up this driving thing?

4. Tanith Belbin

This ice dancer is pretty acrobatic.

She competes in one of the only sports where it's not creepy to put a slow-mo video of a girl with her skirt up on TV while analysts break it down.

3. Anna Rawson

This golfer has been modeling since she was really young and decided to try golf in 2004.

She has absolutely no worthy stats to mention.

Stick to the modeling, Anna.

2. Leryn Franco

She is pretty awful at throwing the javelin.

At the 2004 Olympics, she finished 42nd out of 45 competitors.

Woof.

Good thing she is one of the hottest chicks to ever play a professional sport.

Leryn is still world-class in my book.

1. Anna Kournikova

The undisputed champ hasn't played a WTA event since 2003.

Doesn't matter.

One of the hottest chicks on the planet still gets it done.

It's a testament to her insane looks and body that Anna is still head and shoulders above the pack almost 11 years after arriving on the scene.

Game. Set. Match.