Team USA’s Noah Lyles faced criticism after it was revealed that he had competed in the 200m race at the Olympics while sick with Covid-19. Despite being a favorite to win gold in the event, Lyles finished with a Bronze medal. The US Track and Field confirmed that Lyles had Covid, which affected his performance in the race.
Lyles collapsed after the race and was attended to by medical staff. He later disclosed that he woke up feeling unwell on Tuesday and tested positive for Covid. Despite his illness, Lyles expressed pride in winning a bronze medal, stating that he never considered skipping the race.
Fans expressed shock and disappointment that Lyles was allowed to compete despite having Covid. Many questioned the decision of USATF to let him race in his condition. Lyles is scheduled to participate in the 4×100 race for Team USA, but he hinted that he may withdraw from the event due to his illness.
In an interview, Lyles mentioned that he may not participate in the upcoming race and expressed confidence in his team’s ability to perform well without him. It is likely that Lyles will not compete further in the Paris Olympics.
Despite the setback, Lyles’ determination and perseverance in competing despite his illness have been acknowledged. The situation has raised concerns about the protocols in place for allowing athletes to participate in events during the ongoing pandemic.
As the Olympics continue, fans and spectators will be closely following the developments surrounding Lyles’ health and participation in future events. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by athletes amid the global health crisis and the importance of prioritizing safety and well-being in competitive sports.
