TOKYO -- The faces of victory will be a bit more visible for the rest of the Tokyo Olympics.
On Sunday, the International Olympic Committee relaxed its health rules and said medalists can remove their masks on the podium for photos -- for 30 seconds.
This, says the IOC, acknowledges "a unique moment in their sporting career.''
Health protocols agreed to ahead of the Tokyo Olympics to control the spread of COVID-19 had required all medalists to keep masks on for the whole ceremony.
But it's not all freedom and exposed mouths from here on out; athletes have to stay on their own podium step while their masks are off. And for group photos on the top step? Masks back on, please.