EXCITED penguins p-p-p-pick up the pace — as they compete in the world’s first Penguin Olympics.

The flightless birds go beak to beak in five different events — showing off their incredible skills at waddling, and hitting swingballs with their flippers.

Madcap New Zealanders — who came up with the idea of the ‘Penguathalon’ — are expected to flock to the event taking place later this month at the the Kelly Tarlton Aquatic Encounter venue near Auckland.

More than 80 penguin species, from King to Gentoo, will compete in football, frisbee, surfing, swingball and waddling contests.

New Zealand tourism chief Gregg Anderson said: "As well as being great fun, the Penguathalon gives people a fantastic chance to get up close with these birds."