This Gorgeous Runner Competing In The Rio Olympics Could Literally Be A Model

Friday, August 5, the much-anticipated Rio Olympics will finally commence.

So far, much has been made about teams refusing to move into their designated living quarters, reporters tweeting about the stench from Rio's open sewers and whether or not Russia should be allowed to compete altogether.

Those issues are certainly worthy of our attention, but with actual Olympic events just about a week away, isn't it time we placed our focus firmly on the athletes who will be competing in Rio this August?

I think so, which is why I want to cast a spotlight on Australian Track and Field superstar Genevieve LaCaze.

The 26-year-old LaCaze specializes in the 3000 Metres Steeplechase, an event she'll compete in next month in Rio. She's a three-time Australian champion who also had the honor of representing her country at the 2012 Olympics in London.

In addition to being a fierce competitor, Genevieve LaCaze is also absolutely gorgeous. Her killer physique is just the tip of the iceberg, really, so check out why LaCaze is already miles ahead of the competition in Rio.

Genevieve LaCaze is a 26-year-old Track and Field star from Australia.

She's a three-time Australian champion and had the honor of representing her country at the 2012 Olympics in London.

Though she spent her childhood in Brisbane, Australia, and is very much an Aussie, LaCaze also hails from Spanish, French and Italian descent.

She started running when she was 9 and went on to attend the University of Florida on an athletic scholarship.

While in Gainesville, LaCaze placed fifth in the 3000 Metres Steeplechase at the 2011 NCCA DI Track and Field Championships.

A year later, she improved with a second place finish in the same competition.

Due to achieving a late qualifying time, LaCaze was originally slated to miss the 2012 Olympics in London...

...but after gathering massive support on social media and from sponsors like New Balance, LaCaze did ultimately compete in her first Olympics in 2012.

The 26-year-old struggled with adversity in the years following the 2012 Olympics, but she now appears ready for the big stage in Rio.

Genevieve LaCaze already has the looks and personality of a modern champion...

...but if she truly wants to be the best, she'll have to prove she can hang with the big dogs in Rio in August.

Citations: gengen_lacaze (Instagram), GENEVIEVE LACAZE ATHLETE PROFILE (IAAF)