It’s literally a social phenomenon, with everyone from the President of the United States to Jenna Jameson among its users. We’re of course talking about Twitter. Chances are if you haven’t already cracked you soon will, joining the millions of other Tweeters around the world. We’ve dug up ten sportsmen from ten different sports who Tweet their business. But remember, if you are on Twitter, you can keep up with all our own ramblings @sportcouk.
Football – Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5)
For how long the England Captain will be able to keep his Twitter account open before manager Alex Ferguson orders him to shut it down, we will have to wait and see. Yet in the meantime Tweeters can find out a little more about the Manchester United centre back with Rio regularly engaging with his followers in question and answer sessions. Ferdinand recently went on a national radio station to prove it was actually he tweeting, so hopefully any doubts to the authenticity of the account have been put to bed.
Formula 1 – Rubens Barrichello (@rubarrichello)
Anyone who saw the recent Hungarian F1 race, will have seen former champion Michael Schumacher crowd out former team mate Rubens Barrichello as he tried to pass the German. Barrichello narrowly avoided a terrifying collision against a pit wall with Schumacher being handed a 10-place grid penalty as a result. Although Schumacher has since apologized for the incident he initially refused to take any blame, with Barrichello stating on live TV that he wanted his Twitter followers to decide whether it was he or Schumacher at fault. Tweeting in Portuguese and English, Barrichello’s Twitter feed makes for a fascinating insight into the world of an F1 driver.
Tennis – Andy Roddick (@andyroddick)
There’s plenty of tennis Tweeters out there, with Andy Murray and both Williams’ sisters regularly giving their thoughts and opinions. Yet it’s Andy Roddick who gets our vote. One of the funniest and charismatic players on the circuit, Roddick regularly exchanges banter with his fellow players as well as updates as to how his training and tournaments are going. You’ll also be able to enjoy such gems as when he met the Queen at Wimbledon and she mistook him for Stiffler from American Pie. We assume he was joking.
Basketball – Lebron James (@KingJames)
When NBA star Lebron James became a free agent in July of this year, the Twitter world monitored every word he typed as a clue as to who he might sign for. After being linked with the New York Knicks, the Chicago Bulls, and the Los Angeles Clippers, it was something of a shock when he put pen to paper with the Miami Heat. As his username would suggest, James is not shy in coming forward, so look forward to some outspoken views on everything from basketball to music. Just don’t expect him to follow you in return – he is currently only following five people.
Cycling – Lance Armstrong (@lancearmstrong)
One of the most prominent Tweeters around, with over 2.5million followers, Lance Armstrong recently used the social networking site to announce that the most recent Tour de France would be his last. It’s a real shame as Armstrong gave daily updates as to how he felt the race was going, providing a firsthand insight into the grueling event. Of course he’s retired before, and you wouldn’t bet against him making yet another return to the Tour de France. We suggest you follow him as you’ll probably be one of the first to hear if he does.
Diving - Tom Daley (@TomDaley1994)
It may sound a little odd suggesting you follow a 16-year old boy, but this is no average teenager. It’s Tom Daley, Olympic diver and a true gold medal hope for London 2012. With regular updates on his training and travels around the world, it’s both intriguing and refreshing to read the occasional tweet about Big Brother or what he’s had for lunch as a reminder of just how young this sports star is. As 2012 gets nearer and nearer it’s sure to make for an interesting read. Be sure to follow the right Tom Daley mind, as there’s a growing number of fake accounts.
Rugby – Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14)
Former Wales and British Lions captain, and now Rugby League’s Crusaders star Gareth Thomas recently came out as gay. It would appear to have been a weight off his shoulders, as the stocky back continues his open approach to life. However, though he takes pride in being an inspiration to younger gay sportsmen, as he once said “he wants to be recognized as a rugby player first and foremost,” so expect an equally open look into the rugby world, especially since Thomas has just been called up to the Welsh Rugby League squad for the first time.
Boxing – Floyd Mayweather Jr (@FloydMayweather)
Every boxing fan wants to see the Floyd Mayweather versus Manny Pacquiao fight. Whether it happens or not only time will tell. In the meantime, follow Floyd “Pretty Boy” Mayweather’s day-to-day routine as he tweets about his latest extravagant purchase or how he has just dined with Don King. Mayweather also regularly posts photos on his Twitter feed, so you’ll be able to see just what he’s harping on about. What’s more if you’re really keen to see him fight Pacquiao, you could always resort to a good old-fashioned bit of goading. Though it might be worth considering that Mayweather Jr has never lost a professional fight, so the odds are firmly stacked against you.
Cricket – Kevin Pietersen (@kevinpp24)
A relative newcomer to Twitter, Kevin Pietersen should make for some enjoyable Tweets. Never one to shy away from an aggressive attack, be it from a fast bowler or a headstrong media person, KP has a busy year ahead of him, with the England team heading to Australia in defense of the Ashes. England’s chances rest hugely on the form of their most talismanic batsmen, so as a follower of Pietersen we should hopefully be able to get a gage of how he is in terms of both physical and mental condition. He’s also promised to reply to as many messages from his followers that he can.
Golf – Ian Poulter (@Ianjamespoulter)
Ian Poulter, the flamboyantly dressed golfer is another keen Tweeter. Currently residing between Orlando, Florida, and London, the Hertfordshire born Poulter remains an avid fan of his beloved Arsenal. So expect plenty of tweets concerning the Gunners in the coming season – Poulter was actually chastised for using a derogatory slur on Twitter after Arsenal lost to bitter rivals Spurs last season – as well as updates on any new clubs he is testing out, his feelings on a particular course and an honest account of how he views his current form.
Follow the author @Danny_Brogan