Sports
The Social Olympics: Top 5 Takeaways
Organizers described the London 2012 Games as the first social Olympics. Athletes and fans took to social media to post comments, pictures and videos. Here are five social media moments that defined London 2012.
5. The Medals
- The Olympics is all about taking part, sure, but really it's about winning medals. A major feature of the London Olympics was medal-winning athletes posting pictures of their prizes. Athletes, including Olympic legend Michael Phelps, posted pictures of their medals on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. An image Phelps posted of his 18th and 19th Olympic medals was retweeted over 14,000 times.
- Number 18 and 19 for my career so far!!! Omg I'm speechless right now! lockerz.com/s/230016371
- This is what I worked hard for...!!!! Shabba...!!!! Yeeeezzzzzz!!!! Thanks everyone...!!! lockerz.com/s/231581880
Just meet dizzee rascal, great guy :) #teamgb. @YorksHumber2012 #leedsleedsleeds http://pic.twitter.com/sSiYj1Ws
4. Samuel L. Jackson
- The unofficial social media commentator for the games was undoubtedly actor Samuel L. Jackson. He may not have offered the most expert analysis, but he did perhaps offer some of the most amusing insights. Jackson's musings spanned the entire Olympic spectrum, from gymnastics to cycling. Here are a few Samuel L. Jackson highlights:
- Hammer throw:
- Gymnastics:
- Sprint relays:
3. The Memes
- Social media loves a meme and the Olympics was no exception. The meme machine kicked into overdrive when London Mayor Boris Johnson got stuck on a zip wire, U.S. gymnast Makayla Maroney looked less than impressed at winning a silver medal, and British Prime Minister David Cameron was shown in a picture watching boxing.
