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American sprint star has spoken on what doctors advised after testing positive for COVID-19 before the Olympic 200m final.
Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles made headlines after his brave but ultimately challenging performance in the men's 200m final at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The 27-year-old sprinting sensation, who had tested positive for COVID-19 prior to the event, stunned the world by deciding to compete despite the illness ultimately finishing third to win the bronze medal.
Lyles, who was attempting to claim his second Olympic gold, faced a series of obstacles after his COVID-19 diagnosis.
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After a thorough medical evaluation, doctors cleared him to compete, and Lyles made the bold decision to take part in the race.
Despite struggling with fatigue and breathing difficulties, he stepped onto the track, determined to deliver his best in one of the most anticipated events of the Games.
"It was definitely the fatigue," Lyles admitted during an interview on ESPN's SportsCenter on Tuesday night.
"You know, I did not have my path and my step. You know, I was kind of in a fake it-to-make-it scenario. I did not want people to think that I was down for the count.
I wanted them to still think that I was going to make anything happen regardless of the fact that what was going on, and I just had to keep telling myself that we can go through this, we can get through this."
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Despite his weakened condition Lyles' determination was on full display. Competing against some of the world's best sprinters, including Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, who took gold, and fellow American Kenny Bednarek, who finished with silver, Lyles pushed through to clinch the bronze medal.
However, the physical toll was evident, as Lyles was later carried off the track in a wheelchair due to breathing issues, sparking immediate concerns for his health.
The United States Track and Field (USATF) released a statement following Lyles’ performance, confirming that the sprinter had indeed tested positive for COVID-19 but chose to compete after consulting with medical professionals.
"Our primary commitment is to ensure the safety of Team USA athletes while upholding their right to compete. After a thorough medical evaluation, Noah chose to compete tonight. We respect his decision and will continue to monitor his condition closely," read the statement.
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Lyles, though visibly drained after the race, was reflective and proud of his performance under such extraordinary circumstances.
He emphasized the significance of the bronze medal, calling it the most impressive of his Olympic campaign due to the adversity he faced leading up to the race.
" It is not the Olympics I dreamed of, but it left me with so much joy in my heart," Lyles wrote on Instagram.
Although Lyles was slated to participate in the men's 4x100m relay, his weakened state forced him to make the difficult decision to end his campaign early.
Weeks later at an appearance during the US Open, Lyles announced that he had decided to end his 2024 season altogether signaling the importance of recovery as he looks toward future events.
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