Maria Sharapova

Whether they are starring on the tennis court, ice rink, football pitch, swimming pool or velodrome, there's no shortage of beautiful women competing in international sport.

Some, like tennis stars Ana Ivanović and Maria Sharapova, enjoy global recognition for their sporting prowess and their looks. However, there are numerous female stars competing in other sports who are equally talented and glamorous.

MSN Him celebrates, in no order of preference, 25 of the most beautiful sportswomen in the world.

Russian tennis superstar Maria Sharapova's name is ever-present in any conversation about the world's most beautiful sportswomen.

In addition to her model looks, the 23-year-old former world No 1 boasts three grand slam singles titles and is the world's highest-paid female athlete. In August 2010, Forbes magazine estimated her annual earnings to be a staggering $24.5 million.