As the Rio Olympics draw closer sports fans have found a new athlete to worship.

Chinese swimmer Ning Zetao has sent supporters around the world into meltdown, whose appeal likely has something to do with his incredible physique.

Since the Chinese swimming team arrived in Rio and began training ahead of the games, Zutao has gained legions of fans online.

Chinese swimmer Ning Zetao has taken the internet by storm this week

The 23-year-old has gained thousands of fans online for his incredible physique

The athlete was named China's sports personality of the year in 2015

Photos of training show the athlete strolling around the pool in nothing but his swimming trunks, his six-pack on full display.

The 23-year-old, who was named China's sports personality of the year in 2015, recently featured on the cover of Elle Men.

The response to Zutao's dashing good looks has been overwhelming on social media, with thousands taking to his Weibo page to praise the swimmer.

Described as 'handsome', 'husband material', and praised for his 'model' good looks, the most common compliments are about his spectacular abdominal muscles.

Zetao featured on the cover of Elle Men in China this month ahead of the games

Social media users have branded the athlete a 'stud' and 'handsome'

Zetao has also been called 'husband material', and praised for his 'model' good looks

He has become incredibly popular on Chinese social media platform Weibo

'Olympic man watch begins in three days' one Twitter user gushed

'I've fallen over', I need to touch your abs to get up,' one social media user wrote.

Others have described the young swimmer as 'the Chinese Tom Daley'.

Since being banned for doping in 2011 after ingesting the chemical clenbuterol, which was found in meat, Zetao has made an impressive come-back.

This is the swimmer's first Olympic games and is in with a shot for a gold medal

This is the swimmer's first Olympic games, and he will take to the pool early next week

Zutao's best events are the 50 metre freestyle, and 100 metre freestyle - which he currently holds the Asia record for.