There has been criticism in Beijing that the swimming programme has been turned on its head after American television company NBC persuaded officials to hold the finals in the morning, rather than the evening, so that they are screened in US prime-time.

 

Gymnastics and basketabll have also been scheduled for the benefit of American television.

 

But Coe, the chairman of London 2012, said that he had already told NBC that they would not allow any interference.

 

He told The Australian newspaper in an article published today: "In London we will set the programme and that will be it."

 

Coe said that they were already in discussions with the international federations about the timetable for 2012 but revealed that the swimming finals would be held in the evening, as has previously been traditional.

 

Coe, winner of the Olympic 1500 metres in 1980 and 1984, said athletes needed to know well in advance the timing of their events.

 

He said: "I knew I wasn't a great athlete or performer earlier in the day.

 

"Stick me on at 3pm in the afternoon and you have a problem."

 

To read the full article visit http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/beijing_olympics/story/0,27313,24184897-5014197,00.html.