Noah Lyles Faces Challenges at Paris Olympics After COVID Diagnosis

In a dramatic turn of events at the Paris Olympics, Noah Lyles of Team USA finished third in the men's 200-meter final, falling short of his goal to secure a sprint double. Botswana's Letsile Tebogo clinched gold with a time of 19.46 seconds, while Kenny Bednarek of the U.S. took silver at 19.62 seconds. Lyles, who had previously tested positive for COVID-19 just two days before the race, was taken off the track in a wheelchair after struggling to catch his breath post-race. Lyles, who had expressed confidence in winning three gold medals prior to the Olympics, showcased his signature flair during the race's introduction. However, his performance was hampered by the effects of COVID-19, which he acknowledged impacted his ability to compete. After the race, he was attended to by medical staff and later confirmed his diagnosis, stating he had experienced chills the night before the race. Despite the setback, Lyles expressed pride in his performance, reflecting on his previous disappointment at the Tokyo Olympics. He had previously broken Michael Johnson's American record in the 200 meters and defended his world title in Budapest. Lyles was expected to compete in the 4x100 relay but indicated uncertainty about his participation following the 200-meter race. As the Olympics continue, Lyles' situation highlights the ongoing challenges athletes face in the wake of the pandemic, with strict health protocols still in place. The U.S. track federation confirmed adherence to all guidelines, emphasizing the evolving landscape of competitive sports amid health concerns.