The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Sunday that masks are a 'must to have' at Tokyo medal ceremonies after swimmers were seen taking off masks on the medal podium and hugging other competitors in violation of COVID-19 rules.
Tokyo 2020 Olympics - Swimming - Men's 400m Individual Medley - Medal Ceremony - Tokyo Aquatics Centre - Tokyo, Japan - July 25, 2021.
American Chase Kalisz took off his mask on the winners' podium after his gold medal performance in the men's 400 metres medley, hugging compatriot and silver medallist Jay Literland., who was also mask-less. Australian Brendon Smith, who took the bronze, also removed his mask. A little later all 12 athletes from Australia, Canada and the United States on the podium for the women's 4X100 freestyle relay ceremony were mask-less, hugging teammates and smiling to photographers.
"There are things that unfortunately we have had to make stricter. It is really in our own interest, in the interest of everyone and in the interest of safe and secure Games that we obey these rules."
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