By Dashiell Bennett, 2:27 PM on Tue Jul 18 2006, 9,339 views (Edit, to draft, Top, Slurp)

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When our big siblings at Gawker recently posted FHM's August cover shot of swimmer Amanda Beard, we teased them about not reading their copy—which is obviously based in truth, because we completely missed FHM's proclamation that Beard was the "World's Sexiest Athlete." We did notice, however, that DoubleViking now says the title truly belongs to Italian volleyball player Francesca Piccinini. How to resolve this? Well, a little research into the matter revealed a rather striking nude calendar shoot for Francesca, which while not conclusive, definitely proves that Amanda's claim to the throne is hardly airtight. Granted, the Italian's photos are not as fresh, but a "who's sexier" debate is an issue too important to be left in dispute, and the 2008 Olympics is too long to wait for a resolution. So who deserves the crown? Beard, Piccinini, or some other unidentified sports honey? Let the battle begin.

· Francesca Piccinini nude calendar (chinadaily.com.cn)
· Francesca Piccinini (doubleviking.com)
· Amanda Beard @ FHM (fhmus.com)
· Related: No Underboobs at Grand Central (Gawker)

Previously: Ladies of AVP: Beach Volleyball Hotness, Hot Olympians 2006