Smile! YOG athletes say hi from Rio

Olympians no longer need to keep in touch with their friends, fans and family through postcards, press conferences and expensive international phone calls. Rio 2016 is the most connected Games in history – and, when not competing in their sports, these Youth Olympic Games (YOG) graduates are taking advantage of today’s technology to say hello on social media.

Alex Massialas, American fencing silver medallist at the YOG Singapore 2010, is delighted to have won silver in the individual foil at Rio 2016

Thank you to everyone who supported me today, not only at the competition but also at home. There are no words to describe how proud I am to bring back the silver medal for the USA and how much I appreciate the endless support from everyone. Now let’s make history in the team event. #TeamUSA #Rio2016 @usfencing @teamusa

Instagram @amassialas

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Argentina’s Florencia Habif, a silver medallist at Singapore 2010 and London 2012, can’t resist a selfie with fellow hockey star Eva de Goede of the Netherlands – but will they meet again on the pitch at Rio 2016?

Smile! YOG athletes say hi from Rio
Smile! YOG athletes say hi from Rio

The good things of the Olympics. I met my idol today, thanks @degoedeeva for the pic

Instagram @florhabif

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British diver Tom Daley is thrilled with his second successive Olympic bronze, six years after he competed in Singapore

OLYMPIC BRONZE MEDALLISTS!! I can’t believe it!! So proud of you @dannielgoodfellow :)

Instagram @tomdaley1994

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Jessica Fox of Australia enjoys the Opening Ceremony, just a few days before completing her set of Olympic canoe slalom medals: gold at Singapore 2010, silver at London 2012 and now bronze at Rio 2016

Smile! YOG athletes say hi from Rio
Smile! YOG athletes say hi from Rio

Aaaaaamazing atmosphere in Rio tonight! Let the Games begin!! #rio2016

Instagram @jessfox94

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Despite winning medals at both Singapore 2010 and London 2012, Mexican diver Iván García is still star-struck when he runs into Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal in Rio

Smile! YOG athletes say hi from Rio
Smile! YOG athletes say hi from Rio

One of the many privileges is meeting outstanding and unique athletes and people @rafaelnadal

Instagram @ivangarciapollo

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Canada’s Pamela Ware stays positive after she was just pipped to a bronze in the women’s synchronised 3m springboard

Smile! YOG athletes say hi from Rio
Smile! YOG athletes say hi from Rio

We had our ups and down, our laughs and tears, and great teammates to cheer us up! Thank you everyone for the amazing encouragement and oncoming support #rio2016 #wearentfinishedyet #thankyou #bestteammates #teamcanada

Instagram @pamelaware1

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Gold medallist at Singapore 2010, Austrian sailor Lara Vadlau finds something fishy during a break from training

Smile! YOG athletes say hi from Rio
Smile! YOG athletes say hi from Rio

Who caught the fish? #funtimes in #riodejaneiro #enjoyingOURtimetothemax!! #jolara #ONEMOREDAY #openingceremony

Instagram @laravadlau

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British gymnast Ellie Downie, who won silver at Nanjing 2014, is thrilled to have arrived in the Olympic Village

Smile! YOG athletes say hi from Rio
Smile! YOG athletes say hi from Rio

I think I’m going to enjoy the next 3 weeks #SassSquad

Instagram @elliedownie

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YOG 400m champion in 2010 and silver medallist at London 2012, Luguelin Santos takes in the Olympic Village after dark

Smile! YOG athletes say hi from Rio
Smile! YOG athletes say hi from Rio

!!!LET’S GO FOR MORE – DOMINICAN REPUBLIC!!! #teamdom #roadtorio #milex #teamluguelin we’re here

Instagram @luguelinsantos

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Spanish badminton star Carolina Marín, a graduate of Singapore 2010 and currently world no.1, is thrilled to have her parents and her boyfriend in Rio to cheer her on

Smile! YOG athletes say hi from Rio
Smile! YOG athletes say hi from Rio

The best support I could have!!! Thanks to all!!! My best supporters #papis #michico #osquiero #graciasportodo #siempreconmigo #JJOO #vamosaportodas #family #mifamilialamejor

Instagram @caro_marin93