Why Leeds is trending on Twitter (but not Man City)

In a football-dominated top 10 list, the Olympics came in at number four, according to the 2012 trends study by the social media network.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC), which was in charge of the Games, is particularly pleased at topping the trending list which shows spikes in Twitter conversations. The 2012 trends reveal what captured the public’s attention, rather than what terms were consistently popular.

Craig Spence, the IPC’s communications director, said: “Our aim was to make the London 2012 Paralympics a truly digital Games and I think this is reflected with #Paralympics topping the most trending UK sport event table.

“From the word go our athletes were encouraged to embrace social media throughout the Games, tweeting and Samsung video blogging from behind the scenes. We provided more behind-the-scenes access during London 2012 than any other global sporting event previously.

“This success is a real team effort with the IPC, Locog (the London 2012 organisers), BPA (British Paralympic Association), Channel 4, BBC Radio 5 Live, media, athletes and most importantly British tweeters all playing a significant part.”

• Top 10 most trending UK sport events during 2012:

1. #Paralympics

2. #LFC

3. #MUFC

4. Olympics

5. Liverpool

6. Arsenal

7. WWE

8. Leeds

9. #COYS

10. #AFC

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