When Noah Lyles, one of the favorites to win the men’s 200m final, finished third, something felt wrong.
This was the same result he achieved in Tokyo three years ago, but he has improved significantly in the event, running a personal best of 19.31 seconds (third-fastest ever) and winning the 2022 and 2023 world championships (he also won in 2019).
But Lyles remained with the bronze medal, and it was revealed that the 27-year-old had been diagnosed with COVID-19 earlier this week after he was caught on camera seeking medical attention after the race and requiring a wheelchair to return to the tunnel.
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On August 8, 2024, Noah Lyles, a bronze medalist for the U.S. team, wears a mask during the men’s 200 meters final at the Paris Olympics. (Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
“I woke up around 5 a.m. on Tuesday morning feeling really terrible and I knew it was more than just soreness from the 100 meters,” Lyles told NBC. He had won gold in that race and was bidding to become the first American to win two Olympic gold medals since Carl Lewis in 1984.
Lyles’ “dream goal” for the Games was to set a new world record in this event, but although he didn’t get the result he hoped for, he is still taking it in stride.
“My first thought was, let’s not panic because I’ve been in much worse conditions. I’ve run in much worse conditions and I felt …” he said. “Obviously, I think it took a toll on my fitness, but I’ve never been more proud to come this far and get the bronze medal. I was very disappointed in the last Olympics. I couldn’t be prouder this time.”
Noah Lyles is pictured after competing in the men’s 200m final at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on August 8, 2024. (Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
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Lyles said he had never considered not competing in the final, but later posted that he likely would not compete in the rest of the Olympics. He was scheduled to compete in the 4x100m final on Friday.
“I guess this will be the end of my 2024 Olympics. This is not the Olympics I dreamed of, but it leaves me with so much joy in my heart,” Lyles said. He wrote in an Instagram post.
“I hope you all enjoyed the show. Whether you were supporting me or against me, you have to admit you watched the show, right? See you next time.”
Lyles said on the broadcast that the rest of the 4×100 team “can handle it without me.”
“I have no qualms about saying, ‘You guys do what you have to do, you’re fast enough to handle it and win a gold medal.'”
Noah Lyles is carried off the track in a wheelchair after competing in the men’s 200m final at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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Lyles finished the race in 19.70 seconds, while fellow American Kenny Bednarek again took silver.
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