On Sunday Polish weightlifter Szymon Kolecki, silver medalist in the men’s 94kg category, became the first Olympic athlete to make a public gesture of support for Tibet while competing in Beijing, shaving his head before his final.

Kolecki would not reveal directly the reason for this gesture, stating only that it was “symbolic” and “connected to some things that the Olympic Charter would not allow me to do”.

Late last week Australia’s own Cadel Evans, an active Tibet supporter, made his opinions known as he was leaving Beijing. “It’s a sad situation and I think similar to what happened with the Australian Aborigines,” Evans said.

Chinese law, IOC regulations and team agreements have made it extremely difficult for athletes to speak up for Tibet while competing in Beijing. However, with many athletes having finished their events but remaining in Beijing for the duration of the Games, more may make the decision to speak out.