Noah Lyles revealed he had tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday morning after being removed from the track in a wheelchair after finishing third in the men’s 200-meter final in 19.70 seconds.
Lyles, who appeared before reporters wearing a mask and surrounded by members of the U.S. team’s medical department, insisted he never considered withdrawing from the event. USA Track and Field made it clear that it was Lyles’ decision to take part in Thursday night’s final.
Lyles, the newly crowned Olympic 100m champion, was unable to keep up with gold medalist Letsile Tebogo of Botswana (19.46) and silver medalist U.S. teammate Kenneth Bednarek (19.62). His appearance in a wheelchair immediately sparked speculation about his health.
Lyles, 27, was quick to clarify his situation. “I do indeed have COVID-19,” he said. “I tested positive around 5 a.m. on Tuesday. I woke up with chills, aches and a sore throat – many of the symptoms I had before I had COVID-19. I thought, ‘I’ve got to get tested.’ The result was positive, so we were immediately isolated in a hotel near the village and I was prescribed as many medications as the law would allow to help my body keep up.”
“I still wanted to run and I was told I could still run, so I ran round after round, away from everyone. I definitely had days where I was doing well, but now I’m walking around again. I was pretty lightheaded after that race and definitely had chest pains. After a while I was able to breathe and regain my sanity. I feel a lot better now. It definitely affected my performance.”
USA Track and Field said in a statement: “Our primary mission is to ensure the safety of Team USA athletes and protect their right to compete. After a thorough medical evaluation, Noah has elected to compete tonight. We respect his decision and will continue to closely monitor his condition.”
The Paris Olympics had no mandatory rules regarding COVID-19 and participation, meaning Lyles would have been entitled to take to the starting line. COVID-19 has lingered at the Olympics, affecting swimmers from a range of countries, including Australian water polo players and Britain’s Adam Peaty.
When asked if he ever considered withdrawing from the 200 meters, Lyles answered emphatically, “No.” “I was going to compete anyway,” he added. “If I hadn’t made the final, that would have been a sign I wasn’t going to compete.”
Still, Lyles’ attitude may raise some eyebrows. His girlfriend is Jamaican athlete Junell Bromfield, and Lyles confirmed he shared a bed with her during their stay at the hotel. “Junell told me last night that I was coughing all night,” Lyles said. “She said she thought I was sleeping well, but she had to keep me moving all night to stop the coughing. More than anything, I’m proud of myself. I came back three days after contracting COVID and won the bronze medal. It was a tough Olympics.”
No other members of the U.S. team were informed of Lyles’ diagnosis before the 200-meter final. “Only the medical staff, my coaches, my mom and my family knew,” Lyles said.
“We tried to keep it as secret as possible. We didn’t want people to panic and we wanted them to be able to compete. And the last thing you want to do is tell your competitors that you’re sick. Why give them an advantage?”
Bednarek, who hugged Lyles after the final, didn’t seem at all worried about the risks involved. “I’m not worried about it,” the silver medalist said. “I don’t make a big deal out of it. I’m healthy and I do everything I can to make sure my body is healthy. It doesn’t bother me at all. I don’t get sick easily.”
Lyles has not yet decided whether he will compete in the men’s 4x100m relay. “I’m going to talk to my 4x100m guys,” Lyles said. “I’m going to be honest and transparent with them. I’ll leave it up to them to make the decision. Whatever happens, I believe they can get through anything.”
