Paris 2024 Olympics: Noah Lyles confirms he raced men’s 200m final with Covid - 'It definitely affected my performance'
Updated 09/08/2024 at 00:55 GMT+1
After claiming bronze in the final of the men's 200m, American Noah Lyles confirmed he raced with Covid-19. Lyles was bidding to add the 200m title to his 100m triumph, but was beaten to gold by Botswana's Letsile Tebogo, with American Kenny Bednarek taking silver. Lyles looked visibly exhausted after crossing the line and had to be wheeled away from the track.
Concern as Lyles wheeled off after favourite settles for bronze in 200m
Video credit: TNT Sports
USA's Noah Lyles confirmed he raced the Olympic men’s 200m final with Covid after missing out on completing the sprint double.
The 27-year-old was aiming to add the 200m crown to his thrilling victory in the 100m final but had to settle for a second successive Olympic bronze as Letsile Tebogo took gold for Botswana.
Lyles stopped the clock at 19.70s, behind Tebogo and fellow American Kenny Bednarek, before slumping to the ground and being wheeled off the track.
That sparked immediate concern, but it was cleared up when he was asked about his condition after the race.
“Yeah, I woke up early about 5am 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," Lyles told US broadcaster NBC. "We tested and unfortunately, it came up that I was positive for Covid.
“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 arrived onto the track in typically flamboyant style as he chased another slice of history. Aiming to emulate the likes of Carl Lewis and Usain Bolt and complete an Olympic sprint double, he made a strong start to set up a thrilling final 50m but faded as the line approached to slip well back of his title rivals.
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Watch as Tebogo causes big upset to claim 200m gold ahead of Lyles
Video credit: TNT Sports
He then fell to the ground and looked in pain before being helped into a wheelchair and given a mask. Speaking in a press conference, he said: “It definitely affected my performance. I am more proud of myself than anything. Coming out and getting the bronze medal with Covid.
“We tried to keep it close to our chest. The medical staff, my coach and my mum knew.
“We didn't want everybody to go into a panic. We wanted to be able to compete. We wanted to be able to make it discreet as possible and you don't want to tell your competitors you are sick.
“Why would you give them an edge?”
US Track and Field also released a statement on the matter, which read: “In response [to the test], the USOPC and USATF swiftly enacted all necessary protocols to prioritise his health, the wellbeing of our team, and the safety of fellow competitors.
“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.”
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'A new star!' - Tebogo celebrates as he stuns Lyles to take 200m gold
Video credit: TNT Sports
Lyles is scheduled to compete in the 4x100m relay on Friday but it remains to be seen whether he will compete for Team USA.
“We haven't decided on the [4x100m] relay yet,” Lyles added. “I'll talk to the coaches and to be honest, I'm gonna be very honest and transparent with them, and I'm gonna let them make the decision.
“I believe that no matter what happens this four by one team can handle anything and everything. I've been with them in practice.
“They are more than capable to come out with a win and even break as many records as they take their mind to.”
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