Team USA star Noah Lyles has announced that his dream of competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics has come to an end after being diagnosed with Covid. Lyles, who finished third in the men’s 200-meter dash, revealed that he will not be participating in the rest of the Games.
Despite battling Covid during the race, Lyles managed to clinch the bronze medal behind Kenny Bednarek and Letsile Tebogo, who took gold. However, the track and field sensation visibly struggled to breathe after crossing the finish line and needed immediate medical attention. Medics rushed to his aid and wheeled him away from the track.
In a statement on Instagram, Lyles expressed his gratitude for making it through the Olympics and congratulated his fellow competitors. He acknowledged that this may be the end of his 2024 Olympics journey but expressed joy and pride in his heart. Lyles also opened up about his battle with Covid, explaining that he woke up feeling unwell and tested positive for the virus.
The sprinter’s participation in the 4×100 relay remains uncertain, with Lyles leaning towards letting Team USA handle the event without him. The team had already qualified for the final without him in the qualifier, posting the best time of 37.47 seconds. The relay team consists of Christian Coleman, Fred Kerley, Kyree King, and Courtney Lindsey.
While Lyles may not be able to compete in the relay, Team USA remains confident in their ability to secure a medal. Other countries competing in the event include South Africa, Great Britain, Japan, Italy, China, France, and Canada. Jamaica, who previously dominated the event with Usain Bolt, failed to qualify for the final this year.
The Men’s 4x100m relay final is scheduled to take place on Friday at 1:47 pm Eastern time. Despite the setback, Lyles remains proud of his performance at the Paris Olympics and is grateful for the support he has received from fans and well-wishers. His determination and resilience in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to athletes and fans alike.
