Noah Lyles Talks About Running the Olympic 200M With COVID
- Noah Lyles achieved a remarkable feat by winning the bronze medal in the 200 m at the Paris Olympics.
- He competed while battling a COVID-19 diagnosis, showcasing resilience and determination.
- Lyles expressed pride in his accomplishment despite the challenges faced.
In a surprising turn of events, American sprinter Noah Lyles revealed that he woke up feeling unwell on Tuesday night, experiencing chills, aches, and a sore throat—symptoms he associated with previous COVID-19 infections. Despite these health concerns, Lyles chose to compete in the 200m race, where he was a favorite to win. After finishing third, he expressed his determination to give his all, stating, “I knew if I wanted to come out here and win, I had to give everything I had from the get-go.” Lyles kept his COVID-19 diagnosis private, sharing the news only with close family, medical staff, and his coach to avoid causing panic among teammates and fans. His decision to compete drew support from fellow athletes, including silver medalist Kenny Bednarek, who noted that he had no issues with Lyles celebrating their race together. Bednarek remarked, “I thought maybe it's just one of those days when he's not having a great day.” The governing bodies of the sport, USA Track & Field (USATF) and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), backed Lyles’ choice to race despite his health challenges. Lyles emphasized the importance of transparency with his team, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding their participation. His resilience was evident as he celebrated a photo-finish victory in the 100m race earlier in the week, showcasing his competitive spirit even in the face of adversity.