Noah Lyles, one of the brightest stars in track and field, faced a daunting challenge on Thursday at the Paris Olympics. After securing a bronze medal in the men’s 200 meters, Lyles collapsed on the track, visibly exhausted, and was later seen motioning for water before being taken away in a makeshift wheelchair. The incident was a shocking sight for fans and athletes alike, but what followed was even more surprising.
In an interview with NBC, Lyles revealed that he had tested positive for COVID-19 just two days before the race. Speaking while wearing a mask, Lyles recounted the difficult morning when he first realized something was wrong.
The emotional toll and physical strain were evident as Lyles struggled after his semifinal heat on Wednesday, where he finished second. Despite the challenges, Lyles pushed through to compete in the final, aiming to become the first athlete since Usain Bolt to achieve an Olympic double in the 100 and 200 meters and the first American to do so since Carl Lewis in 1984. Unfortunately, the dream of Olympic gold eluded him this time.
Later that day, Lyles announced on Instagram that his 2024 Olympic journey was likely over. “I believe this will be the end of my 2024 Olympics,” he wrote, sharing a poignant photo of himself hugging the 200-meter winner, Letsile Tebogo. “It is not the Olympics I dreamed of, but it has left me with so much joy in my heart. I hope everyone enjoyed the show.”
Lyles had been uncertain whether he would be able to continue competing, particularly in the Team USA 4×100 relay, but ultimately, his health had to take precedence.
The situation raised broader concerns about the ongoing presence of COVID-19 at the Olympics. Unlike the Tokyo and Beijing Games, where strict COVID protocols were enforced, the Paris Olympics were intended to be a return to normalcy. There was no mandatory testing for COVID at these Games, nor any official protocol if an athlete tested positive. This approach reflected the broader global attitude toward moving beyond the pandemic, with vaccines and treatments widely available.
However, Lyles’ experience served as a stark reminder of the virus’s persistent threat. The scene of his mother, Keisha Caine Bishop, pleading with officials to assist her son, underscored the seriousness of the disease. Lyles’ battle with COVID was not the first instance of the virus impacting athletes at these Games. British swimmer Adam Peaty also tested positive for COVID after winning a silver medal in the breaststroke on July 28 but returned to the pool six days later for the 4×100-meter medley relay. Similarly, five Australian water polo players tested positive before the Games but were allowed to compete once they felt well enough.
Lyles’ experience in Paris is a testament to his resilience and determination, fighting through a debilitating illness to achieve Olympic success. While his journey may have ended differently than he had hoped, his bronze medal stands as a symbol of courage and tenacity, reminding us all of the unpredictable challenges athletes face, both on and off the track.
