Support is growing within the Olympic movement to allow athletes to write internet diaries or blogs. The issue will be discussed at the 119th IOC Session in Guatemala this week, if it gets the go ahead athletes will be blogging in Beijing.

A committee set up by the IOC Press Commission Chairman, Kevan Gosper, has recommended blogging be permitted.

“Blogging is a legitimate form of personal expression available to all athletes at all times except during the Games” the committee wrote.

The committee has proposed the blogs must take the form of a diary or journal “relating to personal experiences, views and comments”.

It is feared athletes will use blogs to criticise fellow competitors, coaches and officials.

Rule 51 of the IOC Charter says athletes are not permitted to act as journalists during an Olympic Games. The committee agrees Rule 51 must stand preventing the blogs from appearing in newspapers.

They have recommended internet blogs must not be written for financial gain.

They must comply with the Athletes Oath which respects fellow athletes in a spirit of true sportsmanship.

And they do not contain photos, video or audio obtained at the Games.

The recommendations will be put to the IOC members for discussion.

Mike Tancred in Guatemala
AOC