Noah Lyles Withdraws from Relays Due to Covid

Noah Lyles, the reigning 100m Olympic champion, has announced his withdrawal from the men’s 4x100m relay at the Paris 2024 Olympics after testing positive for Covid-19. The American sprinter tested positive on Tuesday morning but still competed in the 200m final on Thursday, where he secured a bronze medal behind Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo. Following the race, Lyles required assistance to leave the track, highlighting the toll the virus has taken on his health. In a candid reflection on his condition, Lyles admitted to experiencing significant discomfort, including coughing through the night. Despite his struggles, he expressed gratitude for the experience, stating, “It is not the Olympics I dreamed of but it has left me with so much joy in my heart.” Lyles had aspirations of joining an elite group of athletes who have achieved a triple gold at the same Games, having already claimed victory in the 100m by a narrow margin earlier in the week. The United States Track and Field (USATF) organization confirmed Lyles' positive Covid-19 test shortly after the race, prompting immediate health protocols to ensure the safety of the team and other competitors. The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) emphasized their commitment to adhering to IOC guidelines to prevent further spread of illness. Lyles was expected to be a key member of the US team in the 4x100m relay, where they were favorites to reclaim the gold medal from Italy, who stunned the competition in Tokyo. His withdrawal opens the door for other nations to challenge for the title.