'God does things for a purpose'- Why Noah Lyles doesn't regret bronze medal won at Paris Olympic 200m final

Olympic champion Noah Lyles has doubled down on his decision to take to the track despite having contracted COVID-19 at the Paris Olympics.

Olympic champion Noah Lyles has reaffirmed his decision on why he chose to compete in the 200m final at the Paris Olympics, despite knowing he had contracted COVID-19.

Lyles, who had entered the race as the favorite after his triumphant victory in the 100m final, ultimately finished third, earning a bronze medal behind Botswana's Letsile Tebogo and his American rival Kenny Bednarek.

Lyles had built incredible momentum leading into his signature event after narrowly edging Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson by mere milliseconds to secure gold in the 100m.

Expectations were high for the reigning world champion, whose dominance in the 200m has been a hallmark of his career. However, the race did not unfold as anticipated.

During the 200m final, Lyles visibly struggled, fading in the last stretch as Tebogo stormed to victory, making history for Botswana. Bednarek clinched silver, while Lyles managed to hold on for bronze.

After crossing the finish line, Lyles collapsed to the track, clutching his chest in visible distress before being wheeled off by medics.

It was later revealed that Lyles had tested positive for COVID-19 before the race, raising questions about why he was allowed to compete under such circumstances.

Addressing the incident in a recent episode of Netflix’s Sprint, Lyles shared his reasoning for competing despite the health risks.

"I'm always under the belief that God does things for a purpose and a reason. I've been sick before. I fought through sickness," he said.

"I'd be very upset with myself if I didn’t at least take the first chance of saying maybe I can run through this."

Lyles received his bronze medal while wearing a mask, later revealing in interviews that he had to talk to his fellow athletes and gauge their comfortability with him right next to them on the podium.

His decision sparked debate with some praising his determination while others questioned the potential risks to his health and those around him.

The 200m final at the Paris Olympics will likely be remembered as a bittersweet moment in Lyles’ illustrious career.

While it demonstrated his resilience and commitment to the sport, it also highlighted the challenges athletes face when balancing health, ambition, and public scrutiny.