The 29 American Olympians' Instagrams to Follow Now
What do the internet and the Olympics have in common? For starters, they both bring people together from all over the world.
Forget the dog days of summer - it's the Olympics! (Image: Instagram: @olympics) And though the 2016 summer games officially start August 8, there's still plenty of exciting buildup on Instagram beforehand (just check out the hashtag #RoadtoRio for proof).
Not sure who to follow for all the action? Start with these 29 accounts for your behind-the-scenes look at U.S. athletes who just might capture gold in Rio.
For All the Action
Looking for a few accounts to give you a quick summary shot of what's going on in Rio? You'll want to follow these four accounts.
#Faltam5Dias para os #JogosOlímpicos e a ansiedade para a cerimônia está enorme! Quem vai assistir? . #Faltan5Días para los #JuegosOlímpicos y la ansiedad para la ceremonia es cada vez más grande! 🎉😱
A photo posted by Rio 2016 (@rio2016) on Jul 31, 2016 at 2:06pm PDT
1. Rio 2016
Go bilingual with this official look at all the happenings in Rio. Featuring shots from both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, this account makes you feel like you're right in the middle of the action.
Follow @Rio2016 on Instagram
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has been named @teamjamaica's flag bearer for @rio2016. Congrats! Photo: Getty Images
A photo posted by The Olympic Games (@olympics) on Jul 30, 2016 at 12:21pm PDT
2. The Olympic Games
For an account that you can follow year after year, regardless of where the games are held, check out the official Olympics Instagram. Plus, you know you'll see some pretty epic #TBT photos.
Follow @olympics on Instagram
Das German Cycling Machine. Where's Flula? #Rio2016
A photo posted by NBC Olympics (@nbcolympics) on Aug 2, 2016 at 10:06am PDT
3. NBC Olympics
NBC has long dominated coverage of the Olympics in the U.S., and now they're owning Instagram coverage, too. Catch each bead of sweat and every scream of victory (and even some snaps of athletes with puppies).
Follow @nbcolympics on Instagram
4 DAYS: The Women's @USAWP team is unstoppable! They have medaled in ALL 4 of the Olympic Games they've attended! 👏
A photo posted by Team USA (@teamusa) on Aug 1, 2016 at 8:52am PDT
4. Team USA
If you bleed red, white and blue, you'll want to follow @TeamUSA this summer. Find behind-the-scenes shots of your favorite athletes as they chase down the gold for God and country.
Follow @TeamUSA on Instagram
Olympians on the Mat (and Beam and Rings)
You'll flip for these Instagram accounts featuring the finest gymnasts that America has to offer. Watch these men and women exhibit some of the craziest feats of strength and balance - from the uneven and parallel bars to the vault and the floor.
A photo posted by Gabby Douglas (@gabbycvdouglas) on Jan 17, 2016 at 8:35am PST
5. Gabby Douglas
Gabby took home gold with her team in 2012, and she's looking to do it again in 2016. Even if you think you know her from “Douglas Family Gold,” you'll still want to follow her on Instagram.
Follow @gabbycvdouglas on Instagram
7 am pics to show off this leotard… Thanks @simonebiles for taking the pic 😊 #nomakeup #sleepy 😘
A photo posted by Alexandra Raisman (@alyraisman) on Aug 1, 2016 at 3:18pm PDT
6. Aly Raisman
Another member of the women's gymnastics team that took home gold in 2012, Aly is also returning for another shot at one more medal. And her Instagram account makes red, white and blue look good!
Follow @alyraisman on Instagram
A photo posted by Simone Biles (@simonebiles) on Jul 24, 2016 at 6:39pm PDT
7. Simone Biles
She may be new to the Olympics, but this 19-year-old is no stranger to victory. As three-time world all-around champion and four-time U.S. national all-around champion (just to name a few), it's clear she's poised to snag some serious hardware in Rio.
Follow @simonebiles on Instagram
To meditate I was taught to be sturdy like a mountain and rise tall to the sky. I've never taken the metaphor as seriously as this 😂🏔🙏
A photo posted by Samuel Mikulak (@samuelmikulak) on Mar 14, 2016 at 8:28am PDT
8. Sam Mikulak
He's baaaaack! After competing in the 2012 Olympics, Sam is once again competing on behalf of his country. And based on his score at the trials in St. Louis (he posted the highest all-around score), he's on top of his game.
Follow @samuelmikulak on Instagram
😼🆙
A photo posted by Laura Zeng (@toss_and_catch) on Jul 3, 2016 at 12:13pm PDT
9. Laura Zeng
Rhythmic gymnastics might not be the event you think of when you think of Olympic gymnastics, but Laura's Instagram account will open your eyes to all the beauty and grace of the sport. Not to mention her insane training schedule.
Follow @toss_and_catch on Instagram
Athletes Hitting the Track
These runners are fast as lightning! They've set records nationally and are setting themselves up to steal the world's spotlight this summer. So be sure to catch them (if you can) on Instagram.
Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. -MJ #roadtorio
A photo posted by Allyson Felix (@af85) on Jun 21, 2016 at 10:34am PDT
10. Allyson Felix
These days, you can find Allyson gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated's Olympic issue. But take a look at her Instagram, and you'll get a peek at what got her there: tons of hard work and some pretty awesome shoes.
Follow @af85 on Instagram
NBC photo shoot !!!
A photo posted by justingatlin (@justingatlin) on Nov 20, 2015 at 4:06pm PST
11. Justin Gatlin
You wouldn't think 34 would be considered old. But after he won the 100 meters at the U.S. Olympic Trials this year, Gatlin became the oldest sprinter to make an American Olympic team. Age be damned, he's pretty darn fast.
Follow @justingatlin on Instagram
May the road rise up to meet you (or have the road be 10 miles net downhill) May the wind always be at your back (and blowing hair in your face) May the sun shine warm upon your face (and let you run in a sports bra and shorts in March in Colorado) #tbt to yesterday's run. March in Colorado usually means, sun, snow, and wind 💨💨💨 running when wind-aided is so fun. Feels like flying! (Wearing the @newbalance 1500s) #SeeMyRun
A photo posted by Emma Coburn (@emmacoburn) on Mar 3, 2016 at 12:30pm PST
12. Emma Coburn
In 2012, Emma was the youngest runner on the American team. Now 4 years older and four years wiser, she won the women's 3,000-meter steeplechase. And as a member of Team New Balance, she even has her own shirt cheering, “Go Emma.”
Follow @emmacoburn on Instagram
"Once I put on my @OfficialMauiJim sunglasses, I see things differently… in a great way." #RnRRAL
A photo posted by Meb Keflezighi (@runmeb) on Mar 31, 2016 at 9:25am PDT
13. Meb Keflezighi
He conquered the New York City Marathon and Boston Marathon in 2009 and 2014, respectively, and now he's looking to conquer Rio. Watch out, world!
Follow @runmeb on Instagram
Soooo excited for this! Breaking News: NYC meet moves to Boston: adidas Boost Boston Games June 17-18! @adidasrunning @CityOfBoston #polevault
A photo posted by Jenn Suhr (@jennsuhr) on Apr 25, 2016 at 9:38am PDT
14. Jenn Suhr
Runners may take most of the spotlight when it comes to track and field. But don't say that to Jenn Suhr. As “the reigning queen of the pole vault,” she qualified for the Olympics with the same height she jumped to win gold in London (15 feet, 9 inches). And if she keeps that pattern up, she'll be vaulting her way to another gold medal.
Follow @jennsuhr on Instagram
And Those Making a Splash
As the summer heats up, we'll all want to take a dip in the pool. But the reason these athletes are in the water has nothing to do with cooling down. In fact, they've just begun to make things even hotter. Figuratively, of course.
I am #TeamSpeedo, are you?
A photo posted by Ryanlochte (@ryanlochte) on Jul 26, 2016 at 5:00pm PDT
15. Ryan Lochte
His signature catch phrase may have inspired a thousand imitators, but his skills in the pool are nearly unmatched. Currently, his Olympic medal count sits at 11, but who knows how many more he'll amass by the end of the games. Fun fact: August 3 is Ryan's birthday, and what's a better gift than a shot at Olympic gold? Happy birthday, Ryan!
Follow @ryanlochte on Instagram
Huge thank you to @glamourmag for such a wonderful piece! Can't believe Trials are just around the corner. And as a very important side note, swimming on a stool is much harder than it looks #coordination #donthaveany #ifelloffseveraltimes
A photo posted by Missy Franklin (@missyfranklin88) on Jun 9, 2016 at 2:12pm PDT
16. Missy Franklin
She made a name for herself at the 2012 Olympics (taking five medals in London), so fans will be happy to have her return this year. Even though she's a star in the pool, on her Instagram, she still takes time to eat her Wheaties.
Follow @missyfranklin88 on Instagram
#TeamSpeedo
A photo posted by Conor Dwyer (@conorjdwyer) on Apr 26, 2016 at 10:44am PDT
17. Conor Dwyer
This Illinois boy is ready to take on the Olympics yet again. He took home a gold medal for swimming in London, and he's prepped to do it again this time around.
Follow @conorjdwyer on Instagram
#tbt to the last time I was at the #proswimseries meet in Mesa! Excited to get some races in this weekend!
A photo posted by Nathan Adrian (@nathangadrian) on Apr 14, 2016 at 6:24pm PDT
18. Nathan Adrian
While he has three Olympic gold medals and the American record in the long course 50-meter freestyle, Nathan Adrian is anything but complacent. Click over to his Instagram for proof of his hours and hours spent in the pool and the weight room.
Follow @nathangadrian on Instagram
Annie and I had a very adventurous weekend in southern Utah. We met some great people and viewed some of our country's most stunning natural sights. #mutualofomaha #breakoutswimclinic #brycecanyon
A photo posted by Matt Grevers (@mgrevers) on Aug 30, 2015 at 6:31am PDT
19. Matt Grevers
You might have spied this guy in the pages of Vogue with his teammate Nathan Adrian (see above), but the pics on his Instagram are a little more casual. See this six-time Olympic medalist hiking around Utah, sipping sports drinks by the pool and recovering on the couch.
Follow @mgrevers on Instagram
Happy OLYMPIC DAY!! Hard to believe that this was 4 years ago… what an unforgettable experience @mckillman and I had. So excited to live it again in Rio! 🔥✨ #OlympicDay #London2012 #Rio2016 #mk2 #synchro
A photo posted by Mariya Koroleva (@mkoroleva) on Jun 23, 2016 at 4:28pm PDT
20. Mariya Koroleva
While speed may be the name of the game for the swimmers above, precision is the key for this synchronized swimmer. She and her partner Anita Alvarez have traversed the #RoadtoRio and are now ready for the main event.
Follow @mkoroleva on Instagram
Finished a week of training in João Pessoa and headed to Rio tomorrow for competition! Im so excited for what it's in store #USADiving #WorldCup 📷: @usa_diving
A photo posted by Abby Johnston (@abbyljohnston) on Feb 14, 2016 at 3:10pm PST
21. Abby Johnston
She's not a swimmer, but she's still hitting the pool in Rio. Watch Abby Johnston dive her way to a medal. She took silver for her synchronized dive in 2012, but this year she's diving solo.
Follow @abbyljohnston on Instagram
Don't Miss Out on These Other Awesome Athletes
With 43 different sports being featured at the 2016 Olympics, there's no way to feature each and every athlete here. But if you're looking to take a break from the standard sports, here are some other events and their star athletes to watch out for.
I had to re-post this 😊 This is, hands down, one of the most cherished parts of my job. I am blessed to be surrounded by so much ❤️ & inspiration ✨ @usavbeach (Thx for sharing your girl, A)
A photo posted by Kerri Walsh Jennings (@kerrileewalsh) on Mar 3, 2016 at 12:47pm PST
22. Kerri Walsh Jennings
For this volleyball powerhouse, Rio marks her fifth Olympic games! But in addition to being an incredible athlete, her humble Instagram bio reads, “Believer, wife, mother, athlete, lover of life, chaser of dreams.” And she's chasing her dreams all the way to Rio.
Ready to get my grovel on tomorrow. Up at 1:50 on center court out on the pier 😜 #SunsOutTonguesOut #OnwardInwardUpward 📷: @beachkl
A photo posted by April Ross (@aprilrossbeach) on Jun 24, 2016 at 9:34pm PDT
23. April Ross
And where would Walsh Jennings be without her partner? April is making her second Olympics appearance. What's a better account to follow in the summer than a beach volleyball player?
Follow @aprilrossbeach on Instagram
#Fearless
A photo posted by Kayla Harrison (@judo_kayla) on Jun 21, 2016 at 10:09am PDT
24. Kayla Harrison
Judo may not be the most popular sport, but you'll want to watch Kayla vie for her second gold medal this summer. And when she does win, you'll see her let out her signature roar.
Follow @judo_kayla on Instagram
C•H•E•E•S•I•N 😁😁😁'cause there's so much to smile about! #TGIF #FridayFeels #summertime #holidayweekend ☀️🇺🇸 || photo @stevediamondelements
A photo posted by Alise Post: US Olympic Athlete (@alisepost11) on Jul 1, 2016 at 6:42pm PDT
25. Alise Post
You may be asking yourself, “BMX is an Olympic sport?” But Alise Post is here to assure you that it is - and that she's going to rock it this summer. With a nickname like “The Beast,” you know she's fierce competition.
Follow @alisepost11 on Instagram
Proud to be representing #justakid from the USA in limited edition gold. Cop one at justakidfrom.com @powerade #Rio2016 #ProudPartner #powerthrough
A photo posted by ClaressaTheChampishee!!! (@claressashields) on Jul 21, 2016 at 9:39am PDT
26. Claressa Shields
Earlier this year, Claressa Shields told ESPN that her goal was to, “go down in history as the best woman fighter to ever live.” And with one gold medal under her belt from 2012 and a shot at another this summer, she's well on her way.
Follow @claressashields on Instagram
Sunday afternoon on the isle of la Grande Jatte Aka Friday post workout on the dock of la grande Hanover #LoveTheseLadies #TEAMUSA #RoadtoRio #4thofJulyWeekend
A photo posted by Grace Luczak (@rowgracie) on Jul 1, 2016 at 7:07pm PDT
27. Grace Luczak
Rowing her way to Rio with partner Felice Mueller, Grace Luczak brings with her a gold medal from the 2015 World Championship and a world record from 2011. So follow her now to get an inside look at her training and shenanigans.
Follow @rowgracie on Instagram
Thanks for an absolutely amazing day @nationgibrick ❤️
A photo posted by Jackie Galloway (@jackiekicks_urface) on Dec 28, 2014 at 9:33pm PST
28. Jackie Galloway
Proving she's a force to be reckoned with, Jackie's Instagram warns, “God help anyone who gets in my way.” And come August, she'll be representing the U.S. in taekwondo. You can follow both her personal account (@jackiekicks_urface) and her training account (@jackiegalloway.usa) to see what it takes to train like an Olympian.
Follow @jackiekicks_urface on Instagram
#Repost @wsj with @repostapp ・・・ Meet @carlinisles, a.k.a. the fastest man in rugby. He knew his speed would get him to the Olympics, he just always thought he would be sprinting on the track. Instead, as rugby returns to the Games for the first time in 92 years, he'll be on the pitch as a member of @usarugby. See more photos of his workout routine at the link in our bio. (📷: @sandy_huffaker for @WSJ)
A photo posted by Carlin Isles (@carlinisles) on Jul 20, 2016 at 6:52am PDT
29. Carlin Isles
His Instagram bio tells you pretty much everything you need to know about his major athletic accomplishments: “Ran track professional played in the NFL now play rugby professional for the U.S.A. team.” And as rugby returns as an Olympic sport for the first time in 92 years, you'll want to keep your eyes on this superstar.
Follow @carlinisles on Instagram
What Do YOU Think?
Will you be watching the Summer Olympics this year? What sport are you most looking forward to? Who are some of your favorite athletes, and do you follow any of them on Instagram? Who would you add to this list? Share your suggestions in the comments section below!
