All sports for all people.  ~ Pierre de Coubertin

It’s almost here, the start of the 2012 Summer Olympics!  This year we’ll be able to connect with the athletes as never before.  Of course, coverage of the Games has always kept pace with the media of the times, from print in the 1890s to most recently, social media for the 2010 Vancouver Games.  This year though marks the world class entry of The Olympic Athletes’ Hub.  Featuring present and past Olympians, this virtual community aspires to forge a deeper connection with the fans.

There’s no doubt the London Olympics will be a win for the host city, but brands and businesses also have the opportunity to go for the gold.  Nimble companies using social media to engage with the consumer and to expand their global reach are favored to cross the finish line first.  And remember, it’s not just a sprint, but a marathon.  As Robert King of ClickSquared recently noted in AccurateLeads reporting of the Olympics as an advertising venue, businesses have the opportunity to go a step further; build customer loyalty for the long-term.  For those of you who’d like to get in the game and keep track of the social media standings of the 2012 London sponsors, the Holmes Report’s offers weekly analysis in partnership with Sociagility’s daily scoreboard.

So, which sports will you be following?  Do you have a favorite Olympic athlete?  Share your thoughts on interacting with the Games via social media.  After all, we’re sure to be winners for sharing in the spirit of athletic excellence.

Vanaja R.

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