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Noah Lyles pulls out of Olympics due to COVID-19 diagnosis
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    Noah Lyles pulls out of Olympics due to COVID-19 diagnosis

    Noah Lyles’ run at the Olympics was cut short on Thursday.

    The 100-metre gold medalist took to Instagram to announce that he decided to withdraw from the remainder of the Olympics. The news came after he revealed his COVID-19 diagnosis following his bronze medal finish in the 200-metre earlier in the day.

    “I believe this will be the end of my 2024 Olympics,” Lyles said in the post. “It is not the Olmypic I dreamed of but it has left me with so much joy in my heart. Whether you were rooting for me or against me, you have to admit you watched, didn’t you?

    “See you next time.”

    The 27-year-old was set to participate in the men’s 4×100-metre relay, with the Americans being a favourite to win the event. The final is on Friday and the exclusion of Lyles should benefit the Canadian team, who came second in the event in Tokyo three years ago.

    Lyles lost the Olympic 200-metre Thursday, coming in third behind Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo and fellow American Kenny Bednarek. He was then tended to by medics who carted him off the track in a wheelchair.

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    After crossing the line in third for the second straight Olympics, Lyles fell to his back and eventually sat up to be helped by medical staff.

    “I definitely say that it’s taking its toll, for sure, but I’ve never been more proud of myself for being able to come out here and get a bronze medal,” Lyles said to NBC after the race.

    “I just was feeling really horrible. I knew it was more than just being sore from the 100. … I woke up the doctors and tested and unfortunately it came up positive. My first thought was not to panic. I’ve been in worse situations. I’ve run with worse conditions. We just took it day by day.”

    CBC’s Devin Heroux obtained a statement from the USA Track and Field (USTAF), where the organization confirmed Lyles tested positive for COVID on Monday and that Lyles still chose to compete in finals.

    “In response (to Lyles’ positive test), the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and USTAF swiftly enacted all necessary protocols to prioritize his health, the wellbeing of our team, and the safety of fellow competitors,” USATF said in the statement to Heroux.

    “…After a thorough medical evaluation, Noah chose to compete tonight. We respect his decision and will continue to monitor his condition closely. As an organization, we are rigorously adhering to CDC, USOPC, and IOC guidelines for respiratory illnesses to prevent the spread of illness among team members, safeguarding their health and performance.”

    It’s the second straight Olympics the virus has played a major role in Lyles’ trip to the Games. He also won the bronze in the 200 at the Tokyo Olympics, and he has said the empty stands and a year delay before the Games led to depression that he said hampered his performance and inspired his road to Paris.

    Lyles had not been beaten in a 200 since that night in Tokyo, and after his win in the 100, he brought the bronze medal to the press conference, slammed it on the table and said that had been his motivation for three full years.

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    American sprinter Noah Lyles has announced that he will not be competing in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics after testing positive for COVID-19. The 23-year-old track star, who was considered a favorite to win gold in the 200 meters, made the announcement on social media, expressing his disappointment at having to withdraw from the Games.

    Lyles is just one of many athletes who have been affected by the ongoing pandemic, with several other competitors testing positive for the virus in the lead-up to the Olympics. The news of his withdrawal comes as a blow to fans and fellow athletes alike, as Lyles was expected to be a major contender in the sprint events.

    In his statement, Lyles emphasized the importance of prioritizing his health and safety, as well as the health and safety of those around him. He urged others to take precautions and follow guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19, highlighting the seriousness of the virus and its impact on athletes and the sporting world.

    Lyles’ decision to withdraw from the Olympics serves as a reminder of the challenges that athletes are facing in these unprecedented times. The pandemic has forced athletes to adapt to new protocols and restrictions, with many facing uncertainty and disruptions to their training and competition schedules.

    Despite his disappointment at missing out on the Olympics, Lyles remains optimistic about his future in track and field. He expressed his gratitude for the support of his fans and teammates, and vowed to return stronger and more determined than ever.

    As the world continues to grapple with the effects of the pandemic, Lyles’ decision to prioritize his health serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of staying safe and taking precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. While his absence will undoubtedly be felt at the Olympics, Lyles’ health and well-being must come first, and his decision to withdraw from the Games is a testament to his commitment to staying safe and healthy in these challenging times.