Poor Curling - it's the punching bag of the Winter Olympics.  It's the sport people love to make fun of, the sport that's cool to mock. 

Well, listen up all you nay-sayers.   I am here to tell you that there is change in the air.  The Men of Curling have seen the light that is Shaun White and Apollo Ono and they want membership in the club.  They want to star in one of those commercials where Gatorade sweat pours from their exhausted brow.

What was once a sport for nerds is becoming the new trendy. No longer are they the club of the bald and pudgy.  These days, the Men of Curling are rocking the hair gel and sporting some ink. 

Bring on the sexy, boys.

Check out Tyler George, emoting all kinds of sensitivity...

And these boys, part of the French team, could rival any NHL player for sexy. I'm sure they could snag a Jennifer Aniston or Sheryl Crow (or a middle-aged Midwestern mom)...

Here's Chris Plys, one of the new generation of Team USA.  Once he scores some big time sponsorships, I'm sure he'll be upgrading his bling...

Tell me Jason Smith doesn't look like half of the male finalists on American Idol....

The Men of Curling also do dark and brooding very well...

They aren't afraid to show their emotions, to beg, plead, get down on their knees for what they want. And, those broom skills could come in very handy around the house...

While they've come along way, there is still plenty of work to be done before you will see as much attention paid to these fine men as the high profile studs of skiing and skating. 

If I could make one suggestion, I'd say they should organize a clinic with Lindsey Vonn or Johnny Weir. Get some pointers on making sure they are always prepared for the photo op.  Hopefully that will keep something like this from ever happening again...

photos courtesy of NBC Sports, Getty Images, World Federation of Curling