NBC is going for the gold when it comes to cuteness.

The network, which will be broadcasting the upcoming Summer Olympics, has come up with an interesting way to get people fired up for the Games: post photos of U.S. athletes posing with puppies.

And we're not talking about a bronze hopeful in badminton, either. No, the heavy hitters appear in the shots, including Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte, Aly Raisman and Justin Gatlin.

The photos, done with People magazine, are also a way for NBC to promote pet adoption in partnership with Clear the Shelters.

If you'd like to see the full gallery of athletes in pictures with these little critters, you can check it on NBC's Olympics site.

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