Noah Lyles Wins 200m Bronze Despite Battling COVID-19

Noah Lyles expressed pride in winning a 200m bronze at the Paris Olympics despite COVID-19 hampering his performance. The 27-year-old American had already secured the 100m title by a razor-thin margin but he couldn’t achieve the Olympic sprint double he aimed for. Just four days after his 100m victory, Lyles struggled in the 200m final, finishing third behind Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, who claimed the gold.

After testing positive for COVID-19 early Tuesday, Lyles kept the news secret to avoid giving his rivals an advantage. He competed with his usual enthusiasm but admitted that the virus affected his performance, causing shortness of breath and chest pain. After the race, he needed assistance and used a wheelchair. Despite the setback, Lyles took pride in his achievement, stating, “I’m more proud of myself than anything, coming out here to get a bronze with COVID.”

He later announced that he would not participate in the upcoming 4x100m and 4x400m relay events, marking the end of his 2024 Olympics. Lyles aimed to win four gold medals in Paris, including in the relays, but the illness ultimately derailed those plans. USA Track and Field confirmed that they followed all necessary measures to ensure his safety and that of others, as COVID-19 protocols have eased since the Tokyo Games.

Noah Lyles’ determination to compete despite his condition earned respect, but his Olympic journey ended with a bronze instead of the multiple golds he had hoped to win.