COVID derails Noah Lyles' bid for sprint double: The end of Olympics

The american sprinter Noah Lyles' aspirations for a historic sprint double were dashed by a COVID-19 diagnosis. Lyles, who had already claimed gold in the 100-meter dash earlier in the week, was aiming to become the first American since Carl Lewis in 1984 to win both the 100m and 200m races at the same Olympic Games. However, his journey was interrupted when he tested positive for COVID-19, a revelation that came just before the 200-meter final.

Despite the diagnosis, Lyles decided to compete in the 200-meter race, a decision that sparked discussions about health protocols at the Games. The Paris Olympics have notably relaxed many of the stringent COVID-19 measures seen in previous editions, placing the responsibility on athletes and teams to manage their health. Lyles, who suffers from asthma, took precautions by wearing a mask and isolating himself to avoid spreading the virus to teammates.

In the 200-meter final, Lyles managed to secure a bronze medal, finishing behind Botswana's Letsile Tebogo, who took gold, and his American teammate Kenneth Bednarek, who claimed silver. Lyles completed the race with a time of 19.70 seconds, a commendable performance under the circumstances. However, the race took a visible toll on him, as he required medical attention and left the track in a wheelchair.

Reflecting on his performance, Lyles expressed pride in his ability to compete despite the challenges posed by his illness. "I've run with worse conditions, I felt," he told NBC. "I'd definitely say it's taken its toll, for sure, but I've never been more proud of myself for being able to come out here and get a bronze medal."

The decision to compete while knowingly infected with COVID-19 has raised questions about athlete safety and the potential risks to others. USA Track & Field released a statement supporting Lyles' choice to race, emphasizing their adherence to guidelines from the CDC, USOPC, and IOC to prevent the spread of illness among team members.

Following the race, Lyles announced that he would not participate in the upcoming 4x100-meter relay final, effectively ending his 2024 Olympic campaign. "I believe this will be the end of my 2024 Olympics," Lyles shared on social media. "It is not the Olympic I dreamed of, but it has left me with so much joy in my heart."

Lyles' decision to step back from the relay highlights the broader impact of COVID-19 on athletes at the Games. The World Health Organization has reported a rise in global COVID-19 cases, and several athletes in Paris have tested positive, though most have experienced mild symptoms.

Despite the setback, Lyles remains optimistic about his future in athletics. His performance in Paris adds to his impressive career, which includes a personal best of 19.31 seconds in the 200 meters, making him the third-fastest man in history over that distance. As he looks ahead, Lyles' resilience and determination continue to inspire fans and fellow athletes alike.

The 2024 Paris Olympics, marked by full stadiums and minimal COVID-19 restrictions, have been a testament to the enduring spirit of competition. Yet, Lyles' experience serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic, even as the world moves toward a semblance of normalcy.