Royal Wedding: Ranking the Athletes on Will and Kate's Guest List

In case you hadn't noticed, there's a wedding this side of the Atlantic on Friday. It's a rather big deal, apparently.

There are already people camping out outside Westminster Abbey for a glimpse of Prince William and Kate Middleton, but the lucky few won't need to bother with that. They're on the guest list.

Their number includes a handful of celebrities from the world of sport, and that gives us at Bleacher Report all the excuse we need to put together a nice little slideshow.

Time to rank the athletes invited the biggest wedding...like EVER.

7. Rugby Star Gareth Thomas

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CARDIFF, WALES - FEBRUARY 13: Gareth Thomas of Crusaders in action during the Engage Super League Match between Crusaders RL and Salford City Reds at Millennium Stadium on February 13, 2011 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Gareth Thomas was the first Welshman to win 100 caps for his country. He was also the first international rugby player to come out as openly gay.

Thomas is currently playing Rugby League for Crusaders. Meanwhile, a film of his life is being made with Micky Rourke in the lead role.

He'll be one of a few rugby types at Will and Kate's wedding.

6. Former England Footballer and FA Director of Development Sir Trevor Brooking

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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 17: In this handout image supplied by the FA, Secretary of State Jeremy Hunt (not pictured) and Sir Trevor Brooking visit Coaching for Hope at Cape Peninsula University of Technology on June 17, 2010 in Cape Town, South Af

Sir Trevor Brooking is an institution of English football. As a player he made his name for West Ham and England before going on to a distinguished career as an administrator in the game.

Brooking is now the FA's director of development.

5. Former England Rugby Coach Sir Clive Woodward

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LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 06: Sir Clive Woodward OBE, Director of Sport for the British Olympic Association speaks during a IOC meetings, held at the Westminster Bridge Park Plaza on April 6, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Im

In 2003, Clive Woodward led the England rugby team to dramatic World Cup triumph in Australia.

As a result, he was knighted and probably as a result of that, he's been invited to the wedding.

4. Leinster and Ireland Rugby Star Brian O'Driscoll

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DUBLIN, IRELAND - MARCH 19: Ireland centre Brian O'Driscoll goes past Nick Easter to score a try during the RBS 6 Nations match between Ireland and England at Aviva Stadium on March 19, 2011 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Brian O'Driscoll is rugby royalty in Ireland and a highly respected player throughout the world.

The center, seen here scoring against England, was invited to the royal wedding...but has respectfully declined, citing the commitments of his club side Leinster.

3. England Rugby Star Mike Tindall

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 13: Mike Tindall of England in action during the RBS 6 Nations Championship match between England and Scotland at Twickenham Stadium on March 13, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Mike Tindall is a no-nonsense rugby player who's been at the top for what seems like 50 years.

He's also the fiancee of Zara Phillips, granddaughter of The Queen. And that's more than enough for an invite.

2. Olympic Champion Swimmer Ian Thorpe

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ATHENS - AUGUST 18: Bronze medalist Ian Thorpe of Australia celebrate on the podium during the men's swimming 100 metre freestyle event on August 18, 2004 during the Athens 2004 Summer Olympic Games at the Main Pool of the Olympic Sports Complex Aquatic C

Australian Ian Thorpe has won five gold medals at the Olympics. No wonder they call him the "Thopedo".

He'll be at Will and Kate's wedding and back in 2012 to compete at the London Games.

1. Football Legend David Beckham

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CARSON, CA - APRIL 23: David Beckham #23 of the Los Angeles Galaxy waves to the fans after the Galaxy defeated the Portland Timbers 3-0 in their MLS match at The Home Depot Center on April 23, 2011 in Carson, California. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Gett

David Beckham is practically royalty in England, so it's hardly surprising he's been invited to the wedding, along with Victoria.

It's only a matter of time before he becomes Sir Becks and stands for Prime Minister.