Australian Olympic chief John Coates believes there is a real possibility of athletes launching podium protests at the Beijing Olympics.
The Chinese have been heavily criticised by world leaders for their human rights record and for their recent crackdown in Tibet.
The Olympic torch's journey around the world was marred by protesters ahead of the August 8-24 Games.
The Australian Olympic Committee president said there could be podium protests in Beijing such as the famous black power protest on the medal dais by Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics.
"It is a real possibility," Coates said at a press conference following the AOC's annual general meeting in Sydney on Saturday.
Coates reiterated that AOC policy was that Australian athletes had the right to express their opinions during the Beijing Games.
Liberal leader Brendan Nelson has welcomed the stance, saying athletes had the right to express their political views.
"That is nothing less than plain commonsense,'' Dr Nelson told News Limited.
"Australia is a democracy, we're very proud of our sports men and women, and I'm sure they'll do us proud on the field and off the field when they go to Beijing."
