It all starts tonight, and we'll be watching the medal hopefuls closely… especially the swimmers and divers! Here's our top ten reasons why we love the Olympics.

#10

NZ Swimmer William Benson

From the Hawke's Bay, 20-year-old Benson's best time for the 100m freestyle is a speedy 50.26 seconds.

#9

Chinese Diver He Chong

This charismatic 21-year-old is expected to deliver gold for China at the Games.

#8

NZ Weightlifter Ritchie Patterson

Beijing is Ritchie's first Olympics. He's the current holder of all New Zealand records in the 77kg division and also has two records in the 85kg division.

#7

The Spanish Water Polo Team

One of twelve teams of fit guys competing in their Speedos starting this Sunday.

#6

NZ sprinter James Dolphin

Takapuna-born Dolphin finished 8th in the 200m at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games.

#5

NZ Swimmer Corey Swanepoel

South African-born Swanepoel finished 12th in the 100m butterfly at the Athens Olympics. He appeared in Cleo's Bachelor of the Year calendar last year.

#4

US Swimmer Michael Phelps

Phelps holds World Records in several swimming events, and was named World Swimmer of the Year for the last four years.

#3

Canadian Diver Alexandre Despatie

Despatie is the first - and so far the only - diver to have become World Champion in the three categories of 1m, 3m and 10m platform.

#2

British Swimmer David Davies

A long-distance swimmer, Davies earned a bronze medal in Athens, and a gold in Melbourne's Commonwealth Games.

#1

Out gay Australian Diver Matthew Mitcham

20-year-old Mitcham is the first Australian to head to the Olympics as an out gay man.

Good luck at the Games guys! It's going to be an unmissable couple of weeks... pass the popcorn!

TV One's Guide to New Zealand's live Beijing coverage is on the link below.