Noah Lyles, the reigning 100-meter champion, claimed bronze in the 200-meter race at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Thursday, revealing that he had been diagnosed with COVID-19 just two days prior, CBS News reports.
The American sprinter, who was aiming for a double gold, finished behind Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, who took gold, and fellow American Kenny Bednarek, who earned silver.
Lyles, visibly affected by the virus, was seen struggling after the race, requesting water and kneeling on the track before being taken off in a wheelchair.
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Despite battling COVID, he expressed pride in securing the bronze, stating he never considered skipping the race.
“It’s taken its toll, but I’ve never been more proud of myself for being able to come out here and getting a bronze medal,” Lyles said in a post-race interview.
The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and USA Track & Field confirmed Lyles’ COVID diagnosis and outlined their efforts to prioritize his health and safety.
While Lyles is scheduled for the 4×100-meter relay, he expressed uncertainty about his participation, suggesting he might allow his teammates to compete without him.
“I’m feeling more on the side of letting Team USA do their thing,” he said. “If that’s the case coming off today, I’m perfectly fine saying, ‘Hey, you guys do your thing.'”
Later, in an Instagram post, Lyles seemingly confirmed his decision to withdraw from the relay, writing, “I believe this will be the end of my 2024 Olympics.”
Despite the challenging circumstances, Lyles has already achieved Olympic success in Paris, having won gold in the 100-meter sprint on Sunday. The 200-meter bronze adds to his impressive resume, which includes a bronze medal in the same event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Team USA has dominated the athletics events in Paris, leading the medal count going into Friday’s competition with a total of six gold, seven silver, and six bronze medals.
