Noah Lyles wins bronze in 200m despite having COVID

Noah Lyles defied the chances to win a bronze medal for Team USA in the 200-meter dash on the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

On August 6, Lyles tested positive for COVID, but on August 8, competing in the 200-meter sprint, ultimately winning the bronze medal. The American athlete admitted that the virus affected his performance throughout the race, noting that he experienced a severe coughing fit the night before the race.

“I was pretty groggy after that race,” said Lyles, who was wheeled off the track in a wheelchair after struggling to catch his breath after the race ended. “Short of breath, (and) chest pain, but after a while I was able to catch my breath and regain consciousness.”

He added: “It definitely affected my performance. I had to take a lot of breaks… I was coughing the whole night. I’m more proud of myself than anything, coming here to get bronze with COVID.”

Despite being diagnosed with COVID-19, Lyles began the race in high spirits, taking to the sector to encourage fans ahead of the 200-meter dash.

“I already had a ton of energy,” he said. “This is certainly the most effective day I’ve felt in the last three days. Still not 100%, but closer to 90-95%.

Lyles, who has been called the fastest man in the world, has been open about his battle with asthma and other health ailments for years, using his trip to the 2024 Paris Olympics to encourage others.

“I have asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and depression,” he wrote in a post shared on X after his gold win. “But let me tell you, what you have doesn’t define who you can become. Why not you!”

Lyles previously won gold in the 100-meter sprint last week. After this week’s race, he admitted he thought his Olympics were over, noting he wouldn’t compete in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays.