Gorilla statue is Star of Olympic Village

Aping around: Gorilla statue is the star of the Olympic Village as athletes from Tom Daley to Maria Sharapova pose for pictures

By Ian Garland
PUBLISHED: 16:18 GMT, 1 August 2012 | UPDATED: 18:11 GMT, 1 August 2012

It's the temporary home of the world's most famous and talented athletes.
But a giant statue of a silverback gorilla is proving the biggest attraction in the Olympic village.
Sports men and women from around the globe have gravitated to well-manicured lawns of the Olympic park to pose for photos with the lifelike ape - including British diving ace Tom Daley and tennis superstar Maria Sharapova.

Divers Chris Mears, Tom Daley and Jack Laugher of Great Britain pose with the Olympic Village gorilla

Sharapova hunted down the gorilla during a break between training sessions. Right, a group of Polish weightlifters make friends with the Olympic Village pet

The sculpture is one of a number of wacky art works on display around the park, but it's fast become a firm favourite among the athletes - who have started competing to create the best gorilla photo.

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The prize so far goes to Team GB divers Tom Daley, Chris Mears and Jack Laugher, who managed to pose alongside the animal while in midair.
Daley was on a break from the Aquatics Centre, where he's preparing to compete in the individual event - after the disappointment of missing out on a medal in Monday's synchronised final.
Russian tennis superstar Sharapova opted for a more conventional pose, conserving energy for her third round singles match against Sabine Lisicki, who knocked her out of Wimbledon this year.
Polish weightlifters Ewa Mizdal, Joanna Lochowska, and Aleksandra Klejnowska-Krzywanska, meanwhile chose to cuddle up to the silverback.
Other sculptures on show in the village include a giant tortoise, a bizarre Chesterfield three piece suite.
Organisers hope the artworks will amuse and inspire athletes staying in the nearby accommodations.

Athletes are staying in the apartments pictured, just a short walk from the statue