CNN reports that in a bid to protect its lucrative media contracts, the IOC is barring competitors, coaches, and support personnel from writing firsthand accounts of their Olympic experience, on the web or in print, for the duration of the Games. Nor are they allowed to ever post photographs or movies that they’ve taken, including media of themselves, even after the Games are finished. They’ve threatened to disqualify anyone that violates their restrictions and sue them for monetary damages.

The IOC’s rationale for the restrictions is that athletes and their coaches should not serve as journalists — and that the interests of broadcast rightsholders and accredited media come first. It’s a good thing they’re not having any problems selling tickets anyways, eh?