Athletes to blog Olympic Games

By Staff Writers

Jul 28 2008 9:27AM

Athletes at the forthcoming Beijing Olympics will be blogging their experiences in between competing for medals.

Lenovo, one of the key sponsors of the games, is giving laptops and web cams to more than 100 athletes from over 25 countries and 29 sports who have signed up. They will be asked to blog the Olympics as it happens

“Writing a blog gives me a chance to reflect on the experience of a rower preparing for the Beijing Olympic Games,” said Australian rowing champion Drew Ginn.

“There are hours of training and multiple selection camps, trials, events and competitions. I meet countless competitors, athletes and colleagues who inspire me along the way, and my blog is a way to offer these experiences to a global audience.”

This is the first time athletes will be allowed to blog during the games. International Olympic Committee rules had previously banned blogging during the competition.

There’s no requirement on the participants to blog, but those that want to will be given help and advice from the company.

Deepak Advani, Lenovo senior vice president and chief marketing officer said: “We want to provide personal computing technology that helps athletes engage with a global community that cares passionately about competition, training, and the kinds of experiences that have gone unheralded until now."

"We want to help athletes achieve their dreams, and share those dreams with the world," Advani said.