Noah Lyles reveals why he ran 200m at Paris Olympics despite having COVID-19: "My first thought was not to panic"

By Anirudh

Modified Aug 08, 2024 20:20 GMT

Noah Lyles clinched the 200-meter bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics despite suffering from COVID-19. With the event behind him, he has shed light on the series of events and why he decided to compete while sick.

Lyles stated that he woke up on Tuesday (August 6) feeling sick. A test later confirmed that he had contracted the virus. Having run in worse conditions previously in his career, he decided to quarantine himself, rest, and assess the situation on a daily basis.

"Yeah, I woke up early about 5 a.m. on Tuesday morning and, you know, I just was feeling really horrible and I knew it was more than just being sore from the 100. We tested and unfortunately, it came up that I was positive for COVID," Lyles said. (via Olympics.com)

"My first thought was not to panic and I was thinking I've been in worse situations, I've run with worse conditions I felt and we just took it day by day and trying to hydrate as much quarantined off. I definitely say that it's taken its toll for sure, but I've never been more proud of myself for being able to come out here and, and getting a bronze medal where last Olympics, I was very disappointed."

Lyles said that since getting the COVID-19 diagnosis, he was feeling his best only on Thursday. He also said that there was never any doubt about him taking part in the 200m final.

"This is by far the best I’ve felt out of the last 3 days. I still wouldn’t say I’m 100%, but I’d definitely say I’m closer to 90-95%. Honestly, that only works for one shot, I only have one load to blow and then I gotta settle down for a while. No, I was gonna compete regardless. If I didn’t make it to the finals, that would’ve been the sign not to," he told reporters.

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"I’m gonna let them make the decision" - Noah Lyles on his men’s 4x100 relay final participation

Noah Lyles at the 2024 Paris Olympics - Getty Images

With the 200 meters final in mind, and the COVID-19 diagnosis on hand, Noah Lyles sat out of the men’s 4x100 relay heats. In his absence, Christian Coleman, Fred Kerley, Kyree King, and Courtney Lindsey clinched a spot in the final with a time of 37.47 seconds.

After winning the 200m bronze, Lyles said that his participation in the men’s 4x100 relay final will be a decision for the coaches to take. He also expressed confidence in his compatriots to bag a medal if he doesn't make the team.

"I’ll talk to the coaches and I’ll be very honest and transparent with them. I’m gonna let them make the decision. I think no matter what happens this 4x100m team can handle anything and everything. I’ve been with them in practice, they are more than capable to come out with the win and even break as many records as they set their mind to," he said.

The men’s 4x100m relay final is set to take place on Friday (August 9).