Athletes You Should Follow on Twitter During the 2016 Summer Olympics
In this era of sports, fans care almost as much about what athletes do on social media as what they do in their respective competitions. Fortunately, there are plenty of entertaining competitors at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
We were robbed of some big personalities who didn't qualify for Rio, including track star Lolo Jones and boxer Cam F. Awesome. However, there won't be a shortage of athletes in Brazil who can provide a good quote before or after their events.
Here is a look at some qualified athletes who will be fun or entertaining to follow on Twitter during the next few weeks.
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Ashton Eaton, Decathlon
He won the gold medal in the decathlon at the 2012 London Olympics as well as the world championships in 2013 and 2015. This pretty much makes Ashton Eaton the best athlete on Earth.
The versatile competitor is also a science buff on Twitter, writing about Nikola Tesla and various forms of technology. Otherwise, he is usually good for an inspirational quote or two.
Based on his resume, you should probably listen to him.
Alex Morgan, Women's Soccer
The United States women's national team is arguably the most dominant squad in Rio in any sport, having won the gold medal in each of the last three Olympics. They are also coming off a first-place finish at the 2015 World Cup.
While the team is loaded with talent, Alex Morgan might be the most recognizable member on the team. The forward has made over 100 appearances for the USWNT and is one of the top scoring threats each game.
She is also an entertaining presence online, tweeting about her teammates, other sports, politics and anything else on her mind.
Miles Chamley-Watson, Fencing
Although he's not as well-known as others on this list, Miles Chamley-Watson has a chance to make a name for himself in Rio.
The London-born fencer was knocked out early at the 2012 Olympics but bounced back in 2013 with a world title in individual foil. He now has a chance to put himself in rare air as a medal contender from the United States in fencing.
When he doesn't have his mask on, however, Chamley-Watson is an entertaining personality who doesn't exactly fit the mold of others in the classic sport. This could allow him to make a memorable run in Rio.
Elena Delle Donne, Women's Basketball
The United States women's basketball team is a favorite to take home the gold, and Elena Delle Donne will likely have a major role in the squad's success.
The Delaware native is coming off the best year of her career in 2015, winning the WNBA MVP award while averaging 23.4 points per game. While the Chicago Sky have struggled, she has been just as good in 2016 and should be a go-to option on Team USA.
Her online presence is also at a high level, filled with videos of herself dunking, dancing and more.
Matthew Centrowitz, Track and Field
Four years ago, Matthew Centrowitz finished just off the medal stand in the 1,500-meter run. And just off isn't much of an exaggeration as the American ended up 0.04 seconds behind the third-place finisher to end in fourth.
The distance runner has continued to put up strong performances since then and remains a contender to medal in the same event in Rio.
Of course, even without a medal, Centrowitz is one of the more entertaining athletes in the Games. When he's not tweeting about The Bachelorette, he's posting funny GIFs and other interesting thoughts. Putting him in the Olympic Village is certain to provide some memorable moments.
English Gardner, Track and Field
When you have an alter ego named "Baby Beast" and a Twitter handle referring to the Ugly Duckling, you are certainly an interesting person. That is the case with female track star English Gardner.
Gardner's account is filled with a combination of inspirational quotes—both religious and otherwise—as well as periscope videos showing her training for the Olympics.
After winning the U.S. Olympic Trials in the 100-meter dash, Gardner has a chance to compete for the title of "Fastest Woman On Earth" in Rio. In any case, her journey will be one worth watching.
Draymond Green, Men's Basketball
The United States men's basketball team is already well-known compared to the rest of the Olympians. We watch them 10 months out of the year in the NBA, rather than for two weeks every four years.
However, Draymond Green is one player still worth following if you don't already do it.
Green often responds to fans, both positively and negatively, and is always willing to speak his mind. He is also likely to make a major impact on the court as one of the most versatile players in basketball, but even if you aren't a fan, his work on the internet makes it all worth it.
Laurie Hernandez, Women's Gymnastics
Women's gymnastics is always one of the biggest events at the Summer Olympics, and this year's squad has plenty of noteworthy athletes. Simone Biles is the favorite after winning the last three world championships. Gabby Douglas and Aly Raisman are well-known from their gold-medal performances in 2012.
However, Laurie Hernandez might be the most entertaining of the group.
The 16-year-old gymnast is always having fun while competing and is simply enjoyable to watch. While Douglas has her own emojis, Hernandez's nickname is actually the "Human Emoji."
Her fun has spilled out to her Twitter and Instagram accounts and likely won't stop in Rio.
Bubba Watson, Golf
A number of notable golfers dropped out before competing in the Olympics, but Bubba Watson will be in Rio as one of four representatives from the United States.
While not everyone is a fan of the wild golfer, he is always entertaining both on and off the course. He has an active Twitter account that includes info about his personal life, such as pictures of his kids, to talk about Justin Bieber.
No matter what happens during his first Olympics, you know he won't hold back from giving you an inside look at what is going on.
Missy Franklin, Swimming
Despite being just 21 years old, Missy Franklin is a veteran on the swimming circuit. Franklin won four gold medals and a bronze at the 2012 London Games and is now looking for her encore in Rio while competing in the 200-meter backstroke and 200-meter freestyle.
Franklin is also a fan favorite who has over 350,000 followers on Twitter. She supports her teammates and fans, and is more than willing to post pictures of herself and whatever is going on in her life.
Then again, sometimes she isn't necessarily the nicest person around.
Jordan Burroughs, Wrestling
Few people have a Twitter handle that describes them as perfectly as Jordan Burroughs.
The wrestler won gold in the 2012 Olympics in the 74-kilogram weight class, a feat he matched at the world championships in 2011, 2013 and 2015. His only loss in a major championship came in the 2014 world championships when he finished with a bronze medal.
Like many others in this field, Burroughs is big on inspirational quotes on his Twitter account and is someone you should listen to every day.
Michael Phelps, Swimming
No list of Olympians is complete without the most decorated one in history.
Michael Phelps has a record 18 gold medals in his career and has dominated the sport of swimming for more than a decade. He is now set to compete in his fifth Olympics in three events: the 100-meter and 200-meter butterfly and the 200-meter individual medley. The last event could feature the final head-to-head battle between him and rival Ryan Lochte.
Most of Phelps' online presence as of late has centered around his newborn child Boomer, but he is also a fan of other sports and is willing to keep fans in the loop of exactly what he is doing.
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