Long before the Opening Ceremony, the 2012 Summer Olympics were dubbed the "Social Games." London 2012 marks the first Olympiad with a real, impactful influence from Twitter and Facebook. But so far, all that has resulted from that is tweets complaining about spoilers and/or NBC's tape-delay decisions, Lil Wayne becoming Michael Phelps' biggest fan and Ryan Seacrest's horribly forced "Social Media" segments during the primetime broadcast.
Until Thursday night.
In what is by far the best use of social media thus far from London -- and quite simply basically just the awesomest thing -- American Tyler Clary, with the benefit of the aforementioned tape-delay, live-tweeted his gold medal victory in the 200m backstroke.
Right now I am completely in the zone, I have never felt so relaxed and prepared to fly!!!
— Scott Tyler Clary (@TylerClary) August 3, 2012
I see that I'm behind Ryan at the 100 but I am only thinking about building into the last 75
— Scott Tyler Clary (@TylerClary) August 3, 2012
All I could think about after I saw that result was my high school coach Kevin Perry who passed away during my freshman year of college
— Scott Tyler Clary (@TylerClary) August 3, 2012
It still hasn't even processed in my head what happened today, so thankful for everyone in my life. I love you all!!!
— Scott Tyler Clary (@TylerClary) August 3, 2012
it should be noted it was 3:40 in the morning London time when Clary was tweeting his race. Other athletes, take note.
For more on the Olympics, check out SB Nation's London 2012 Olympics Hub.