No Olympic Double for Lyles Due to COVID
- Noah Lyles tested positive for COVID-19 just days before the Olympic final, missing the opportunity for a double victory.
- Lyles secured a bronze medal, finishing behind his teammate Kenneth Bednarek and gold medalist Letsile Tebogo from Botswana.
- This unexpected turn of events has put a damper on Lyles's chances of making history at the games.
In a remarkable display of resilience, American sprinter Noah Lyles clocked a time of 19.70 seconds to secure a bronze medal in the 200-meter race at the Stade de France. This achievement comes on the heels of his victory in the 100-meter sprint just days earlier. However, it was revealed post-race that Lyles had tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in the week, which he described as a significant challenge to his performance. Lyles shared that he was placed on medication to help manage his symptoms and maintain his competitive edge. Despite the physical toll of the virus, he showcased his trademark showmanship during the race, emphasizing that he never considered withdrawing. "If I didn’t make it to the final, that would’ve been the sign not to compete," he stated, expressing pride in his ability to compete under such circumstances. The 27-year-old athlete noted that his competitors were unaware of his COVID status prior to the race, as he wanted to avoid causing panic and ensure a fair competition. Lyles committed to being transparent with his coaches moving forward, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding his health and performance. With aspirations of making history by becoming one of the few athletes to win both the 100- and 200-meter races in a single Summer Games, Lyles remains optimistic. Following his 100-meter victory, he shared an inspiring message on social media, reinforcing the idea that one's current challenges do not dictate future potential.