By Joe Nerssessian

Over the last quadrennium, Twitter has grown from approximately just over six million users to 175 million active accounts, and the London Games are becoming touted as the first "social media Games."

During the Opening Ceremony alone, there were more tweets than during the entirety of the 2008 Games.

Within Team USA, more than half the athletes use Twitter, which helps create personal connections with fans, while also promoting themselves and their sports.

"Using social media can give you that personal connection to an athlete and that's what enhances the sporting experience," said U.S. hurdler Jason Richardson (@JaiRich). Richardson has shown himself to have one of the more vibrant personalities during the Games so far, tweeting about doing gymnastics in the cafeteria and comparing the Queen to Betty White.

Weightlifter Kendrick Farris (@KendrickJFarris) also values social media. "I am able to connect with the fans, which is an important thing. I'm a regular person, I just happen to be in the Olympics. You get to see some of the pictures I post and some of the things that I do during the day."

Since the beginning of the Games, over 10 million Olympic-related tweets have been sent, according to Alex Balfour, head of new media at London 2012.

One high point thus far occurred when U.S. swimmer Ryan Lochte (@ryanlochte) stormed to victory in the 400-meter individual medley.

Since that time, Lochte has greatly increased his online presence and has used the #LochteNation to communicate with his fans.

In a tweet on July 31, Lochte said, "GOODNIGHT #LochteNation & thank u for being the best fans. Always said it b4 & I'll say it forever … I wouldn't be anything without u."

Other ways U.S. athletes have been using Twitter is to support one another. One of many examples has been among the American judo team. Kayla Harrison (@Judo_Kayla) tweeted her support for fellow judoka Travis Stevens (@judosilencer) after his fifth-place finish. "@judosilencer is my Olympic champion today. He has #truestrength," tweeted Harrison.

Stevens repaid her support with a celebratory message after Harrison took the United States' first-ever gold medal in judo. "Congrats to @Judo_Kayla for making history. We are all very proud #OlympicChampion," he said.

Meanwhile, the United States Olympic Committee (@USOlympic), which has seen a 192% increase in followers since the start of the Games, uses Twitter to motivate athletes and supporters with #TeamUSA and #GoTeamUSA, while offering a behind-the-scenes look at the entire U.S. Olympic Team.

In addition, celebrities have taken to the social site to show their support for Team USA. Justin Bieber (@justinbieber), who has over 26 million followers, has engaged both Missy Franklin (@FranklinMissy) and the U.S. women's gymnastics team (@McKaylaMaroney, @jordynmarie2013, @kyla_ross96, @Aly_Raisman, @gabrielledoug).

Another of Twitter's most popular celebrities with nearly 28 million followers, Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) has also shown support for the U.S. gymnasts.

"Woohoo! Gold for the ladies! Just want to squeeze them! So much talent and beauty. Did u seem all holding hands? There's no "I" in team," she posted.

Even President Obama got involved, congratulating Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) after he won a record breaking 19th Olympic medal.

"Congrats to Michael Phelps for breaking the all-time Olympic medal record. You've made your country proud. --bo," he said.

All of the messages between athletes, fans, celebrities and politicians have shown yet another way the Olympic Games bring people together.

For a full list of U.S. athletes on Twitter, visit Twitter.com/USOlympic/London2012.

 

Originally published by USOC (http://www.teamusa.org)

 

 

 

The Social Media Games