'Olympic sisterhood': Women athletes bond on social media

                                                                                                                                              The Rio Olympics is hosting more than 10,000 athletes, 45% of whom are women, the highest percentage in the games' history, according to the organisers.

They may be rivals in the sport arena but outside the competition many women athletes appear to be forging a sisterly bond.

Their interaction on social media reveals what the television cameras often do not capture: mutual encouragement and developing friendships - a true Olympic "sisterhood" that seems to go far beyond victories or defeats.

Female athletes from a wide array of sports and nationalities have been engaging with each other, even rooting for one another, and sharing hopes and aspirations.

Smiles from Biles

US star gymnast Simone Biles, already a three-time world champion and a media sensation, has been showing her sisterly solidarity with her roommate, who is not only her team mate but also her rival for individual gold.