BREAKING: Noah Lyles withdraws from remainder of Olympics after Covid diagnosis

BREAKING: Noah Lyles withdraws from remainder of Olympics after Covid diagnosis

Festus Chuma 04:00 - 09.08.2024

American sprinter Noah Lyles has withdrawn from Olympics after COVID diagnosis post-bronze medal race, impacting U.S. relay team prospects.

Three-time world 200m champion Noah Lyles has announced his withdrawal from the remaining events at the 2024 Olympics, following a COVID-19 diagnosis.

The revelation came shortly after he secured a bronze medal in the 200-metre race earlier in the day.

The 100-metre gold medalist took to Instagram to share his decision, marking an abrupt end to his Olympic journey.

Lyles expressed mixed emotions about his truncated Olympic experience.

"I believe this will be the end of my 2024 Olympics. It is not the Olympic I dreamed of but it has left me with so much joy in my heart. Whether you were rooting for me or against me, you have to admit you watched, didn't you? See you next time," he wrote.

The 27-year-old sprinter was a key contender and was scheduled to participate in the men’s 4x100-metre relay, with the American team favored to win.

His absence is expected to impact the dynamics of the relay race, possibly benefiting the Canadian team which secured the silver medal in this event at the Tokyo Olympics.

Lyles' Olympic outing ended in a dramatic scene as he was helped off the track in a wheelchair by medics, after finishing third in the 200-metre race, behind Botswana's Letsile Tebogo and fellow American Kenny Bednarek.

Despite his physical ordeal, Lyles chose to compete in the finals even after testing positive for COVID on Tuesday.

"In response [to Lyles' positive test], the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and USTAF swiftly enacted all necessary protocols to prioritize his health, the wellbeing of our team, and the safety of fellow competitors...After a thorough medical evaluation, Noah chose to compete tonight. We respect his decision and will continue to monitor his condition closely," the USA Track and Field (USTAF) stated.

The organization also emphasized their commitment to adhering strictly to the guidelines set by the CDC, USOPC, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses among team members.

This is not the first time Lyles has faced challenges at the Olympics related to external factors.

The Tokyo Olympics, delayed by a year due to the pandemic and held without spectators, significantly affected Lyles' mental health, leading to depression that he said hampered his performance.

Reflecting on his journey since Tokyo, Lyles had previously brought a bronze medal to a press conference, slammed it on the table and declared it his motivation for the past three years.