Athletes pose in fancy dress to get in the Olympic spirit

26/07/2012

Hundreds of athletes have been getting in the spirit of the Games by putting on the craziest of attire and posing for the camera.

The Olympic Athletes’ Hub has been posting photos of competitors in whacky glasses, novelty wigs and outrageous accessories as part of the ongoing Faces of Olympians series.

The photos captured exclusively by the IOC inside the Athletes’ Village are being shared each day on Twitter, Tumblr and at the Athletes’ Hub.

Keen to enjoy the moment and have some fun before the Games begin, Cape Verde athlete LiloLione Lope is pictured with comedy sunglasses, a miniature top hat and an Olympic torch. Hoping to work her magic on the track, she waves her fairytale-inspired wand.

In an action shot, Egyptian table tennis stars Omar Assar and Ahmed Saleh are seen warming up for the Games with a competitive table tennis match against each other on the Wii video game console.

IOC Head of Social Media Alex Huot devised the Faces of Olympians series and is now based in the Olympic Village with a camera and fancy dress box. “We are getting social!” he said, adding: “We’re showcasing the athletes like never before. To see them have such fun taking part in the Faces of Olympians is very touching.”