The reasons behind American Noah Lyles and other Olympians being allowed to compete despite having COVID-19

With almost 11,000 athletes from around the world competing at the Olympics in Paris this summer, it seems inevitable COVID-19 would make its way to France.

On Thursday, American sprinter Noah Lyles made headlines for winning bronze in the men’s 200m after testing positive for the virus. While some fans see the result as an accomplishment considering his compromised state, others have questioned the logistics and safety of competing with the illness.

According to TIME, at the Paris Olympics athletes are only tested if they have persistent cough, fever or sore throat. If COVID-19 is present, it’s being “treated like any other respiratory illness such as the cold or flu.” This means there are no rules preventing athletes from competing or training as long as they are able.

“We will allow them to train and compete as long as they feel up to it,” a USOPC spokesperson told TIME.

However, there are rules in place to safeguard other athletes in the Olympic Village. If someone tests positive, they are moved to a single room with delivered meals to help limit the chance of spread. Additionally, athletes with the virus receive separate transportation to and from training and events.

According to a statement from USATF, “necessary protocols” were taken to prioritize the wellbeing of Lyles and his teammates after the 27-year-old tested positive on Monday. Lyles chose to compete in the 200m, which was respected by USATF and the USOPC.

Other athletes who have publicly announced they competed with COVID-19 at the Paris Olympics include British swimmer Adam Peaty and Australian swimmers Lani Pallister and Zac Stubblety-Cook. 

A Paris 2024 spokesperson told TIME “we are carefully monitoring the health situation in close coordination with the Ministry of Health.”

American sprinter Noah Lyles and several other Olympians have been allowed to compete in the Tokyo Olympics despite testing positive for COVID-19. This decision has raised questions and concerns among fans and athletes alike. So, what are the reasons behind this controversial decision?

One of the main reasons behind allowing athletes with COVID-19 to compete is the strict testing and safety protocols put in place by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Tokyo Organizing Committee. These protocols include regular testing, quarantine measures, and contact tracing to minimize the risk of transmission within the Olympic Village and among athletes.

In the case of Noah Lyles, he tested positive for COVID-19 before traveling to Tokyo and has been in isolation since then. He has been following all the necessary protocols and guidelines set by the IOC and local health authorities to ensure the safety of himself and others. Additionally, Lyles has been asymptomatic and deemed fit to compete by medical professionals.

Another reason for allowing athletes with COVID-19 to compete is the impact it would have on their mental health and well-being. For many athletes, competing in the Olympics is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Being forced to withdraw from competition due to a positive COVID-19 test could have a significant emotional toll on them.

Furthermore, the decision to allow athletes with COVID-19 to compete is also based on the understanding that they are not posing a significant risk to others. With proper precautions and safety measures in place, the risk of transmission during competition is considered to be low.

It is important to note that each case is evaluated individually, and decisions are made based on a combination of factors, including the athlete’s health status, adherence to protocols, and potential impact on the competition.

In conclusion, the decision to allow athletes like Noah Lyles to compete despite having COVID-19 is a complex one that takes into account various factors such as safety protocols, mental health considerations, and individual circumstances. While it may be controversial, it ultimately aims to balance the safety and well-being of athletes with their right to compete at the highest level.