The motto of the Olympics is Citius, Altius, Fortius. But Olympic athletes aren't only expected to Do Their Best, they're expected to keep quiet about it -- at least until the games are over.

Athletes may be the center of attention at the Olympic Games, but don't expect to hear directly from them online -- or see snapshots or video they've taken.
The International Olympic Committee is barring competitors, as well as coaches, support personnel and other officials, from writing firsthand accounts for news and other websites.
[...] 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.

I think it's the latter reason that's the center of this. Media make or break the Olympics from an image standpoint, as do broadcast rights sales from a financial one. Putting a gag order on athletes helps ensure that the media get to cover all the stories.

Participants in the games may respond to written questions from reporters or participate in online chat sessions -- akin to a face-to-face or telephone interview -- but they may not post journals or blogs until the Games end Aug. 29.
To protect lucrative broadcast contracts, athletes and other participants are also prohibited from posting any video, audio or still photos they take themselves, even after the Games, unless they get permission ahead of time. (Photos taken by accredited journalists are allowed on the personal sites.)
[...] The Olympic guidelines threaten to yank credentials from athletes who are in violation as well as to impose other sanctions or take legal action for any monetary damages.

Ch-ching. Those aren't just the Olympic rings chiming ...

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