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 webcams 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 that athletes will be allowed to blog during the games. International Olympic Committee rules had previously banned blogging during the competition.

There is no requirement on the participants to blog, but those who want to will be given help and advice from Lenovo.

Deepak Advani, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Lenovo, 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."