Twitter launches its official Olympics page: Real-time updates & pics

They’re calling this year’s Olympic games the first to be significantly merged with social media, so it makes sense that Twitter is promoting a new page full of tweets and pictures about and from the London 2012 Olympics.

The company invited users to join in the U.S.-focused page for the opening ceremony. The page prominently features images of interest to U.S. fans and tweets from U.S. competitors in the Olympics.

The page pulls together content that runs the gamut from mundane (an Instagram pic of an Olympic-themed manicure on a fan) to truly inspiring; for example, two-time Olympic beach volleyball gold medalist Misty May-Treanor tweeted, “Nothing like marching in behind your Country’s flag at Opening Ceremonies … really proud. Count down begins. #TeamUSA #dreamingold.”

Here’s a sampling of tweets and images from Twitter’s new page:

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In addition to a stream of tweets and a top slider of pics, the page features prominent and relevant accounts, such as @Olympics, @NBCOlympics, and @USOlympics. You’ll also see promoted tweets from companies like AT&T with content relevant to the summer games.

“This page will highlight Tweets from athletes, coaches, teams, families, NBC personalities, fans, and many other Olympic insiders,” we read on the company blog. When those nail-biting, riveting, and emotional moments unfold, you’ll see and hear directly from all of those who are closest to the action.”

The official online hub for the Olympics is replete with social media and leans heavily on Olympic athletes’ tweets. The organizers of this year’s games (and the corresponding social media hub) are calling 2012 the first year the games have been truly social.

Twitter’s not the only social service getting in on the action, though. Foursquare recently kicked off a special Olympic promotion, too, including a brand new badge and special tips from London competitors.