Olympic bosses back down on gagging order

The New Zealand Olympic Committee has backed down on its rule that would have restricted what national athletes could say at the Beijing Olympics.

Sports Minister Clayton Cosgrove says the committee will now recommend that the clause will be amended to bring it into line with other countries.

The clause effectively banned New Zealand athletes from speaking out on any political matters while in Beijing.

Mr Cosgrove says he expressed his reservations about it to Olympic officials.

Athletes from other countries are given more freedom to speak out during the games.