Noah Lyles worried about Covid at Olympics

Noah Lyles, the American sprinter who secured a bronze medal in the 200m final, expressed his concerns about potentially spreading Covid-19 to fellow athletes during the medal ceremony. Despite having tested positive for the virus just two days prior to the event, Lyles participated in the ceremony, where he hugged competitors, raising questions about safety protocols. His coach revealed that Lyles had been battling a 102-degree fever while preparing for the race. In an interview on the TODAY show, Lyles explained that he was cautious about the health of those around him, particularly the older individuals presenting the medals. He stated that he and his team consulted with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to ensure that everyone involved was comfortable with his presence. Ultimately, Lyles maintained a distance from the other medalists during the ceremony, contrasting with the close interactions he had with them after the 100m final. Lyles detailed his experience with Covid, mentioning that he was relocated to a different hotel and received hourly medical check-ups. He confirmed that the IOC allowed him to compete in the 200m final as long as he adhered to quarantine measures. Although he did not achieve the gold medal he desired, Lyles expressed pride in his accomplishment, viewing it as another challenge he overcame in his athletic career. Following the 200m event, Lyles withdrew from the 4x100 relay due to ongoing health concerns, emphasizing the impact of his illness on his performance.