London Olympics: Platform for fans to connect with athletes online

The countdown to the London Olympics entered the '100 days left' mark on Wednesday. With it, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) launched an online platform aimed at connecting participating athletes with fans during the course of the prestigious international event.

Called the International Athletes' Hub, the IOC hopes to assimilate genuine social media feeds of over 1000 former and current Olympians and present it to fans who will be rewarded with real and virtual prizes to follow and like athletes. In addition, users will be able to access exclusive content like videos on training tips.

According to IOC social media head, the platform is not meant only for fans but for athletes as well who will be able to connect with each other. "Another interesting thing that might come out of the hub is that Olympic Athletes will be able to connect not only with their fans but with each other before, during and after the Games are over, if they so desire," he was quoted as telling Mashable.

The Olympics will begin from July 27 and chat session will athletes will also give fans to connect with their 'heroes' and follow their progress.