In a few days, most of us will settle down onto our couches and assume our roles as cut-throat judges and highly qualified experts in a variety of athletic specialties. Yes, WE know whether or not a sampling of young men and women, who have trained all their lives to provide us with a few nights of popcorn-crunching entertainment, deserve a shiny medal and a year or two of commercial endorsements. Let the 2012 Olympics commence!
But what's the most extraordinary difference between this year's Olympic Games and those from years past? Well, we no longer have to limit sharing our brilliant scoring or athletic critiques to those stuck with us in our living rooms. THIS year we have a number of highly evolved social media platforms so we can connect with other fans and share our opinions about who deserves what. In fact, this year we can even follow our favorite athletes as they post in real time, too. Unsung Olympics experts of the world . . . [cue moving Olympics anthem music now] . . . you will now be heard!
Here's how you can get connected to all the Olympic action online:
The Olympic Athletes Hub
Ready to stalk . . . er . . . I mean follow your favorite athletes as they stress about their events beforehand and debrief afterwards? The Olympic Athletes Hub can connect your Facebook and Twitter accounts into a unique social platform where Olympic athletes participate for easy access. While you will only be able to track athletes who have social media accounts, it's still a pretty cool way to find many online at once. You can also earn rewards and compete yourself!
NBC + Facebook +Twitter = Interactive Olympic Access
In years past, we have always watched the games on NBC and that's about where it ended. This year,NBC and Facebook have teamed up to bring the Olympic comments and polling votes shared on Facebook over to television. That's right, all of your expert opinions could be given a platform on television, too. The Facebook page will offer exclusive, behind-the-scenes coverage to encourage viewers to watch their televisions while engaging online at the same time. You can even show your Olympic spirit in your Facebook feed with an NBC Olympics Facebook App.
NBC has also created the NBC Olympics Twitter Tracker where you can find comprehensive tweet streams for every Olympic sport and athlete on Twitter. You can find out who or what is trending and vote or interact in unique ways. It's is definitely worth a look for any Twitter fan.
YouTube, the Other Olympics Channel
Don't forget to check out YouTube during the games as well. The IOC has created the Official Olympic Channel. It features playlists from Olympics past and will offer your favorite current Olympic moments, too.
Must Follows
Finally, just so you are totally obsessed by the time the first athletes begin their march into the stadium, be sure to follow the official Olympic Games Facebook page and @Olympics Twitter feed. If you are looking to follow athletes who are particularly active on Twitter, here are 25 recommended follows.
Now that we are all plugged in and ready to follow . . . let the games begin!