Sprinter Noah Lyles, who helped the U.S. team win another medal, was taken off the track in a wheelchair on Thursday, the New York Post reported.
Lyles won the bronze medal in the 200m final at the Stade de France despite a recent COVID-19 diagnosis and obvious fatigue, and his effort was especially commendable given the circumstances leading up to the race. According to According to the New York Post, Lyles, who won the 100m final, becoming the first U.S. athlete to win a gold medal in the event in 20 years, woke up feeling unwell on Tuesday.
breaking news!
Noah Lyles was removed in a wheelchair after reports said he had been diagnosed with COVID-19 before the 200m race, but still ran and placed third.
Noah Lyles is a true champion! pic.twitter.com/Gfo3LkNI0x
— Kim Polopo xxx (@kimpolopoxxx) August 8, 2024
Lyles tested positive for COVID-19, but was determined to carry on despite the setback. The effects of the illness were clear as Lyles was visibly exhausted after finishing third in 19.62 seconds behind Botswana's Letsile Tebogo and Team USA's Kenneth Bednarek, The New York Post reported. He collapsed from exhaustion at the end of the race and was later seen being pushed off the course in a wheelchair. (Related: NBC announcer Lee Diffie makes commentary mistake during live Olympics coverage, later apologizes)
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 4: Noah Lyles of Team USA crosses the finish line during the men's 100 meters final on day 9 of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France in Paris, France on August 4, 2024. (Photo by Rodolfo Buhler/Eurasia Sports Images/Getty Images)
Reflecting on his performance, Lyles' face was a mixture of pride and resilience. “My first thought was to not panic because I've been in much worse situations,” he explained. “I've never been more proud to come this far and win a bronze medal after being so disappointed at the last Olympics. [with a bronze medal]and this time around, I couldn't be more proud.”
According to the New York Post, Lyles' mother, Keisha Cain Bishop, and onlookers were understandably concerned about his condition, but his spirits remained strong. It's unclear whether Lyles will participate in the 4×100 relay in future races due to his health.
