Olympic 100-meter champion Noah Lyles faced an unexpected and devastating challenge during the Paris 2024 Games. Just two days before competing in the 200-meter final, Lyles tested positive for COVID-19, an illness that would ultimately compromise his performance and lead to an emotional conclusion to his Olympic journey.
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The 27-year-old sprinter, who had been on track to achieve a historic 100m-200m double, was determined to compete despite his diagnosis. Lyles, a three-time world champion in the 200 meters and current American record holder, had never considered withdrawing from the event, even as the virus took its toll on his body.
Fighting to the Finish Line
In a dramatic scene at Stade de France on Thursday night, Lyles finished third in the 200-meter final, securing a bronze medal behind Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo and his American teammate Kenny Bednarek. Lyles’ time of 19.70 seconds was far from his best, a clear indication of the impact COVID-19 had on his performance. After crossing the finish line, Lyles collapsed on the track, overcome by exhaustion and shortness of breath. Medical staff quickly attended to him, eventually transporting him off the track in a wheelchair.
Despite the obvious physical toll, Lyles remained defiant. In an interview with NBC, he expressed pride in his ability to compete and secure a medal despite the illness. “I’m more proud of myself than anything – coming out and getting a bronze medal with COVID,” Lyles said. He later reflected on the experience in a social media post, writing, “It is not the Olympic I dreamed of, but it has left me with so much joy in my heart.”
Behind the Scenes: Managing COVID-19
Lyles first experienced symptoms of COVID-19 in the early hours of Tuesday morning, just 24 hours after his thrilling victory in the 100 meters. His symptoms, which included aches, chills, and a sore throat, led to immediate testing, confirming his fears. Lyles was quickly quarantined in a hotel near the Olympic Village, and his team worked to manage his symptoms as much as possible. Lyles confirmed he was taking Paxlovid, an antiviral medication, to help mitigate the effects of the virus.
Throughout this ordeal, Lyles kept his condition hidden from his competitors and teammates. He explained that revealing his illness could have given others a psychological advantage, something he was unwilling to concede. “Why would you give them an edge over you?” Lyles remarked.
Emotional End to the Paris Games
With his Olympic aspirations curtailed by illness, Lyles announced that his 2024 Games were over. His participation in the upcoming 4×100-meter relay, where he had been expected to help the U.S. team vie for gold, was no longer possible. The news marked a bittersweet end to what had begun as a promising Olympic campaign.
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Despite the disappointment, Lyles chose to focus on the positives. He took to Instagram to thank his supporters and reflect on the experience. “I hope everyone enjoyed the show. Whether you were rooting for me or against me, you have to admit you watched, didn’t you?” Lyles wrote, with a touch of humor.