Australian Olympians 'won't be gagged'

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) says its athletes will not be stopped from speaking about human rights issues at this year's Beijing Games.

Some athletes have expressed concern about being asked to sign an agreement which asks in part that they only comment to the media about their own events, prospects and performances.

It comes as the monk-led uprising in Tibet focuses attention on China's record ahead of the Games in August.
Committee media director Mike Tancred says the intention is to stop Australian competitors from criticising their team-mates or opponents.
He says the clause is not designed to prevent athletes from commenting on the situation in Tibet and other political matters.
"Our athletes in Beijing will be entitled to speak on any issue, including human rights," he said.
"They will not be gagged.
"The only way that an athlete on our team would be sent home from Beijing is if they were to commit a serious doping offence, or a criminal offence."