Training for the 2012 Olympics extends beyond gyms and running tracks for British athletes. Coaching is being provided on how to deal with scoop-hungry British journalists.
General news reporters, the British Olympic Association is warning athletes, will be at the games to find front-page stories that ''will not be in the athlete's interest.''
''These writers have no allegiance to your sport and are sent to an event such as the Olympic Games to get a story,'' says the BOA's ''Athletes' Guide to Dealing with the Media.''
''These stories by their very nature are usually linked to a scandal and the writer does not care if he/she treads on any toes to find a lead. The news reporter's aim is to find a front page story.''
And the media training handout cautions: ''If you're not willing to give your views then someone may make up your views for you.''
Meanwhile, some British athletes have been warned to be careful when tweeting.
People will be assigned to watch what their athletes are posting on social networking sites. Criticizing officials is on the banned list as well as obscene language.
''They know the parameters,'' said David Faulkner, the British hockey team's performance director. ''If they break the rules, they will come in for disciplinary action.''
The International Olympic Committee bans athletes or coaches from ''comment on the activities of other participants or accredited persons.''
IOC President Jacques Rogge urges athletes: ''Think first, tweet later.''
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STAR-STRUCK: Britain's handball players should forget about autograph hunting during the Olympics.
''We want that out of the system as quickly as possible,'' said Lorraine Brown, British Handball's performance director.
Brown doesn't want to see her players chasing after the likes of Usain Bolt.
''They aren't there to collect autographs - they are there to play handball,'' she said. ''If they want autographs they can buy a ticket.''
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LOWERING EXPECTATIONS: Canada has retained its ''Own the Podium'' program in name only.
The $117-million initiative met its target for the 2010 Winter Olympics at home in Vancouver when 14 golds were won by Canada - more than any other country.
More celebrations might have to wait until the 2014 Sochi Winter Games.
''The reality is, certainly at the Summer Games, we won't 'Own the Podium,''' said Alex Baumann, the program's chief executive. ''We won't be No. 1 ... but we want to move up the ladder.''
Canada was 19th in 2004 in Athens and tied for 14th four years later. A top-12 finish is the London goal despite $34.5 million given to summer sports federations this year.
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