Along with new social media platform integration with Instagram, Tumblr, Facebook, Foursquare and Google+ IOC has also introduced the Olympic Athlete’s Hub.
The Athlete’s hub is an online destination that collects the Twitter and Facebook streams of Olympic athletes and brings them all to one place. A page on the website called "Inside the Olympic Village," will allow fans to chat directly with Athletes inside the Olympic Village.
"The Athletes’ Hub has already compiled Twitter and Facebook feeds of over 2,000 verified Olympians," said Mark Adams, director of communications for the International Olympic Committee. "The additions we are announcing today further demonstrate the IOC’s continued efforts to socialize the Olympic Games and create a better, more engaging experience for fans and Olympic athletes around the world."
IOC has collaborated with Instagram to create "Faces of Olympians" that will show a collection of photos taken by athletes throughout the London Olympic Games. IOC has already generated 30,000 followers on Instagram in just two months.
At a press event on Wednesday in London, Athletes including Oscar Pistorius (Team South Africa, Athletics) and Allison Williamson (Team GB, Archery, 6-time Olympian) told how they use social media during the Olympic Games.
"Social media has been a great way to connect with fans and share not just my stories but the stories of other amazing people and athletes," said Oscar Pistorius. "I regularly use it to share my experiences and provide inspiration for those who are overcoming obstacles or just need an extra push to remember that hard work pays off. I am truly blessed and thrilled to be participating in the 2012 London Olympics and look forward to sharing my Olympic experiences with the social media community and inspiring young athletes to do amazing things."
Allison Williamson pointed out how communicating has changed since the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.
"When I went to the Games for the first time it was back in Barcelona in 1992 — those games had an internal email system and it was groundbreaking. In London I will be sharing photos of the Athletes’ Village and other fun things."
Fans that are looking for tickets to Olympic events can Check-in to offsite venues on foursquare for a special badge called the "Olympic Ticket" plus a chance to win free tickets every day.
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