Athletes at 2021 Olympics have to stop hugging at the podium

Officials at the 2021 Olympics had to warn medalists to stop hugging each other at the podium after embraces throughout the opening days of competition.

In some sense, the world is lucky to have the 2021 Olympics at all, considering the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic. It already had to be delayed a year, so changes to the normal way of doing things were always going to be necessary.

What used to be standard in previous Olympics is now an issue. Take hugging, for instance.

For most, winning an Olympic medal is the high point of their lives. It’s only human to reach out and hug the people nearby. Do it this year, and Olympic officials won’t be pleased.

The IOC is warning athletes at the Olympics to cut out all the hugging.

Hugging is frowned upon at the 2021 Olympics

Medalists are supposed to keep their masks on except for specific photo opportunities, stay on their designated podium and keep a safe distance from others. However, athletes couldn’t help but embrace their fellow countrymen and other competitors at recent podium ceremonies, including the one for Team USA’s Chase Kalisz’ gold. Medalists have come together to take photos or hug on the same step of the podium.

“We would urge and ask everyone to obey the rules, whatever stakeholder you are,” a spokesperson for the IOC said. “It sends a strong message, so please follow the playbooks. We understand there is excitement and we feel for the athletes, but unfortunately, we have had to make the rules stricter.”

It’s a bummer knowing Olympians have to temper their celebrations this year. Unfortunately, that’s a reality in the current pandemic environment. The IOC can’t afford to allow the rules to bend. Fourteen athletes have tested positive for COVID-19 and officials are just trying to get through the next month without that number getting any bigger.