The 2012 Olympic Games in London are set to kick off on Friday, and few can contain their excitement. In honor of the festivities, here are five notable celebs who once had athletic aspirations.  

George Clooney, a jock? Though he’s known for his old school Hollywood sex appeal, there was a time when the actor was a basketball-loving Kentucky teen.

Earlier this year, the Sun quoted Clooney on his enthusiasm for the 2012 Olympic Games.

“Track and field is something that I really want to come back and see. I’m trying to see if I can get some tickets"

Back in May, the actor shot hoops with none other than President Barack Obama following a fundraiser.

Before he won an Oscar for “Ray” in 2004, Jaime Foxx had hopes of playing for the Dallas Cowboys. The actor, who also played basketball, was a top athlete in high school.

His athletic background came in handy in 1999 when he played a repentant football star in “Any Given Sunday.”

The “Magic Mike” hottie was once a rugged Texan who loved playing golf and tennis. The actor still hits the golf course frequently.

According to Golf Digest, the actor has boasted about making four holes-in-one.

A goalie during high school and college, the funnyman has showed off his impeccable hockey playing skills on “The Office.”

"I used to play [ice] hockey, all through college, so I was pretty good, and so I thought maybe something to do with hockey or sports,” he told the Guardian in 2010.

Few are familiar with the story of how Tom Cruise discovered a love for acting. Back in high school, the actor was forced to exit the wrestling team after a knee injury. Rather than dwell on his ailment, Cruise auditioned for the school musical and decided to pursue acting instead.