Event in the middle of so many flags, it was surprising to see a Tibetan flag at a stall in the food park in front of the Rio media centre. Sharing space with half a dozen other flags, the Tibetan flag, with its snow lions and a rising sun, was hanging from a white canopy under which sat a stage with speakers playing Tibetan instrumental music. On inquiring if any Tibetans were around, a Brazilian stepped up to introduce himself as Romero. A food business owner, Romero is also an activist. Eight years ago, when Beijing was hosting the Games and the Olympic torch relay was coming under attack all over the world in protest against China’s human rights record, Romero, originally from Greece but raised in Brazil, had landed at the Tiananmen Square to protest. He paid a price. “I spent 40 days in a Chinese prison,” says Romero. “It was worth it. I am happy to fight for freedom. It’s a pity that the Tibetans can’t take part in the Olympics,” says the activist who organises food events and festivals in different parts of Rio besides other tourism-related activities. “But this flag represents the Tibetans who could not be here.”