Athletes at the Tokyo Olympics will put their medals around their own necks to protect against spreading the coronavirus. The “very significant change” to traditional medal ceremonies in the 339 events was revealed by International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach. “The medals will not be given around the neck,” Bach told international media on a conference call from Tokyo. The IOC had previously said medallists and ceremony officials would have to wear masks. The Tokyo Olympics open July 23 in a state of emergency and rising numbers of Covid-19 cases in the city.

Source: Express July 14, 2021 11:15 UTC