It's that time again! Athletes all over the world are gearing up for the London 2012 Olympics, and beyond their equipment, their skill and the hopes of their home nations, many of them will also be bringing their ink to competition! Every Olympics, tattoos are popping up more and more, decorating the bodies of athletes the world over. We'll report on the best of London later in the summer once our fine judging panel has had a chance to review the competitors, but for now as a warm-up, let's look back at some of the best tattoos from the Beijing games in 2008: 

5.

Natalia Valeeva of Italy sported this cool archer tattoo on her ankle 

4. 

Andrei Krauchanka of Belarus showed his dedication to the decathlon by tattooing pictograms of each othe 10 disciplines in his sport onto the back of his calves

3.

Anastasia Davydova of Russia showed an impressive array of butterflies across her back during the synchronized swimming competition

2. 

US Cyclist Adam Duvendeck took the standard Olympic Ring design sported by many athletes and jazzed it up with a stylized circular olive branch design that fits perfectly across his upper back

1.

French swimmer Alain Bernard winds the ladies vote for how he looks in a Speedo and scores big points for his shark tattoo, the perfect design for someone who chases down his prey