Noah Lyles reveals how Covid diagnosis impacted his 200m bronze win at Paris Olympics

Noah Lyles battled through challenging circumstances to claim 200m bronze at the Paris Olympics sparking debate over his decision.

Reigning Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles has revealed that he tested positive for COVID-19 just days before competing in the men’s 200m final at the Paris Olympics.

The American sprinter, who finished third with a time of 19.70 seconds, was seen being wheeled off the track after the race, sparking concerns about his health and leading to speculation regarding his condition.

Lyles, wearing a mask and flanked by members of the U.S. team’s medical staff, addressed the media shortly after the race, explaining the events leading up to his COVID-19 diagnosis and his determination to compete despite his illness.

“I do have COVID. I tested positive around 5 a.m. on Tuesday. I woke up feeling chills, aching, sore throat—those were a lot of the symptoms I’ve had before when getting COVID," Lyles admitted.

"I was like, ‘I need to test this one.’ It came back positive, so we quickly quarantined in a hotel near the village and they got me on as much medication as they legally could to make sure my body was able to keep the momentum going.”

Despite the physical toll of the virus, Lyles never wavered in his decision to participate in the final.

“I still wanted to run.They said it was still possible, so we stayed away from everybody and took it round by round. I have definitely had better days, but I am walking around again.

"I was quite lightheaded after that race, and the chest pain was definitely active. After a while, I was able to catch my breath and get my wits about me. I am feeling a lot better now. It definitely affected my performance," he added.

Lyles’s performance in the final saw him unable to keep pace with Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, who claimed the gold medal with a time of 19.46 seconds, and U.S. teammate Kenneth Bednarek, who took silver with 19.62 seconds.

Despite not reaching the top of the podium, Lyles expressed pride in his accomplishment, given the circumstances.

“I am more proud of myself than anything. Coming out and winning the bronze medal after three days with COVID—it has been a wild Olympics," he added.

Lyles’s appearance in a wheelchair after the race fueled concerns about his condition, but the sprinter clarified that he was in good spirits following the event.

“I was quite lightheaded after that race, and the chest pain was definitely active.But after a while, I was able to catch my breath and get my wits about me. I am feeling a lot better now," Lyles explained.

USA Track & Field released a statement in response to Lyles’s decision to compete, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to the safety of its athletes while respecting their autonomy.

“Our primary commitment is to ensure the safety of Team USA athletes while upholding their right to compete,” the statement read.

“After a thorough medical evaluation, Noah chose to compete tonight. We respect his decision and continue to monitor his condition closely.”

The Paris Olympics have not imposed mandatory rules regarding COVID-19 participation, allowing athletes like Lyles to compete despite testing positive for the virus.

While Lyles’s determination has drawn admiration from some, it has also raised questions about the potential risks to others, particularly in light of his close contact with his girlfriend, Jamaican athlete Junelle Bromfield, who was with him during his illness.

“Junelle said I was coughing through the night last night.I thought I had a good sleep, but she said she had to keep moving me through the night to make sure I would stop coughing," Lyles revealed.

Lyles acknowledged that his decision to compete might be controversial, but he remained resolute in his choice.

When asked whether withdrawing from the 200m was ever an option, he responded with a firm “no.”

“I was going to compete regardless. If I didn’t make the final, that would have been the sign not to compete,” Lyles stated.

Lyles’s diagnosis was kept private, with only his medical team, coach, and close family members informed before the race.

“The only people who knew were the medical staff, my coach, my mom, and my family,” Lyles said.

His performance in the 100m, where he clinched gold by just five thousandths of a second in a photo finish, had raised hopes that he might join legends like Jesse Owens, Carl Lewis, and Usain Bolt in securing the treble.

However, the toll of the virus proved too great a challenge in the 200m final.

Lyles's decision to compete despite his condition may be seen as an act of bravery by some, but it has also ignited a debate about the risks of competing while ill, especially in a global event where health concerns are paramount.

The Paris Olympics has already seen Covid-19 affect several athletes, including Australian water polo players and British swimmer Adam Peaty.