"I was caught in a 'fake it till you make it' scenario"- Noah Lyles opens up on competing at the Paris Olympics after testing positive for COVID

By Adityan Pillai

Modified Sep 19, 2024 03:57 GMT

Noah Lyles spoke about his participation in the men's 200m final at the Paris Olympics after testing positive for COVID-19. Despite the illness, the 27-year-old decided to compete in the event in an attempt to win his second gold medal at the quadrennial event.

Noah Lyles eventually won the bronze medal, finishing behind Letsile Tebogo and Kenny Bednarek. Soon after, he was carried off the track in a wheelchair as he faced difficulty in breathing. The USATF later revealed that th3 27-year-old tested had tested positive for COVID-19 but still opted to compete in the finals of the event.

“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," an official statement from USATF read.

Lyles spoke about competing in the finals of the men's 200m at the Paris Olympics in his appearance at ESPN's popular show 'Sportscenter'.

"It was definitely the fatigue. 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 him to still think that 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," he said. (1:26)

Furthermore, he considered the bronze medal to be the most impressive medal of his campaign as he achieved it despite facing so many difficulties.

Noah Lyles on ending his Paris Olympics campaign abruptly

Noah Lyles at the Paris Olympics (Image Source: Getty)

Noah Lyles concluded his Paris Olympics campaign abruptly competing in the men's 200m finals. He was set to compete in the men's 4x100m relay and was even spotted during training sessions alongside Team USA.

He took to Instagram to congratulate the winners and announced the end of his campaign in Paris.

"First I want to thank God for getting me through this entire Olympics! Second I want to congratulate @tebogo_letsile_ , @kenny_bednarek and everyone else on an amazing Olympic 200m final," he wrote.

"I believe this will be the end of my 2024 Olympics. 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," he added.

Weeks later, he appeared at the US Open and revealed that he had decided to end his 2024 season altogether.