London 2012: Best Athlete Tweets, Twitpics and Instagrams from Day 1

Thanks to Twitter, fans are getting an even more in-depth picture of what it's like to be an Olympian. The tweets and pictures shared by the athletes have been funny, inspirational and charming.

They capture much of what it can feel like to be an Olympic athlete—or so we're told through this blitz of social media expression.

#Star-StruckOlympians

You think Olympic athletes aren't in awe of other amazing athletes? That certainly isn't the case. It also helps when you're 15 years old like Great Britain's Tom Daley.

How excited is he about meeting the King? Not of England, of the NBA:

"

We met Lebron James! @jacklaugher @jennartweets instagr.am/p/Nouv4dL-oP/

— Tom Daley (@TomDaley1994) July 28, 2012"

Power meets speed on this picture as Olympic hopefuls Jordan Burroughs (wrestling) and Justin Gatlin (track and field) show love.

"

Me and 2004 Olympic Champion in the 100 meter dash @justingatlin twitter.com/alliseeisgold/…

— Jordan Burroughs (@alliseeisgold) July 28, 2012"

#Respect

Elite athletes respect what it takes to compete on an Olympic level, and when someone excels it brings out congratulatory responses from other athletes.

Serena Williams acknowledges Ryan Lochte's win in the 400IM:

"

#USA 1st GOLD courtesy of Ryan Lochte. Congrats. We LOVE you!!!

— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) July 28, 2012"

Even one of the men Lochte defeated to earn the gold shows his appreciation—and patriotism. Michael Phelps knows he was beaten by the better man:

"

Thanks @MichaelPhelps I couldn't do it with out you. #USA

— Ryan Lochte (@ryanlochte) July 28, 2012"

#Focus

We all know the types of focus it takes to be successful on the Olympic level. But these two athletes show the focus doesn't wane with initial success in London.

Lochte gives us this fresh from his 400IM gold medal performance:

"

Great way to start off the 2012 Olympics. #USA on a mission. #Jeah

— Ryan Lochte (@ryanlochte) July 28, 2012"

Finishing 11th in Saturday's preliminaries for 100-meter breaststroke may not seem like a reason for celebration, but when you're American swimmer Eric Shanteau, you've learned to appreciate all your successes.

Shanteau was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2008, but competed anyway finishing 10th.

This time, he has his eyes set on something bigger.

The performance qualifies him for the semifinals, and his time of 59.96 seconds was the first sub-one-minute time he recorded outside of a bodysuit, per Shanteau on 11alive.com.

There's no wonder he said this:

"

And I am not done yet...gotta stay in the game for the relay at the end of next week

— Eric Shanteau (@Shanteau) July 28, 2012"

#Appreciation

One of the best parts about watching athletes compete and succeed is seeing them appreciate the moment. There is no shortage of that in London.

American female gymnast Alexandra Raisman tweeted:

"

I always wondered what it would be like going to sleep the night before prelims at the Olympics.... Feels awesome :)

— Alexandra Raisman (@Aly_Raisman) July 28, 2012"

American track and field star Tyson Gay is feeling love coming from back home. He tweeted this with the link to an awesome video (shown below):

"

RT @SportsCenter: Check out 60-foot holograms of Team USA athletes, Tyson Gay & Ryan Lochte, diving into ... tmi.me/uk5p0

— Tyson Gay (@TysonLGay) July 28, 2012"

#FaithandSpirit

Athletes have to dig deep, and that requires belief in something. As American gymnast Gabby Douglas prepares to compete tomorrow, she retires with a parting shot of faith:

"

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord will be with you wherever you go!

— Gabrielle Douglas (@gabrielledoug) July 28, 2012"

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