On Thursday afternoon, USA sprinter Noah Lyles secured a bronze medal in the men’s 200m at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Lyles crossed the finish line with a time of 19.70 seconds, just 0.24 seconds behind gold medalist Letsile Tebogo of Botswana, who clocked in at 19.46 seconds. The silver medal went to fellow American Kenny Bednarek, who finished with a time of 19.62 seconds.
After the race, Lyles was visibly exhausted, collapsing to the ground and struggling to breathe. He eventually had to be assisted off the track in a wheelchair. It was later revealed by his mother, in an interview with NBC, that Lyles had been diagnosed with COVID-19 just two days before the race but chose to compete despite the illness. This revelation was particularly significant as Lyles also suffers from asthma, making his decision to race even more remarkable.
Before the race, Lyles was seen wearing a facemask as he entered the track, a detail that went largely unnoticed at the time.
Fans took to social media to express their admiration for Lyles, praising his determination and resilience in the face of such adversity.
“Noah Lyles spent countless nights in the hospital as a child, dealing with severe asthma attacks. Today, Lyles competed in the 200m final just two days after being diagnosed with COVID-19. He STILL medaled. Nothing but respect,” one fan shared.
Noah Lyles spent countless nights in the hospital as a child, dealing with severe asthma attacks.
Today, Lyles competed in the 200m final just two days after being diagnosed with COVID-19.
He STILL medaled.
Nothing but respect 🫡 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/kxrHr1hvt7
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 8, 2024
Another fan commented, “Noah Lyles getting bronze with COVID is one of the most impressive sports stories I’ve seen in a very long time. Put some respect on his name.”
Noah Lyles getting Bronze with Covid is one of the most impressive sports stories I’ve seen in a very long time. Put some respect on his name.
— Quin (@QuinThomasx) August 8, 2024
“Not gonna lie, I kinda like Noah Lyles more now—respect for winning with COVID,” another fan wrote.
ngl i kinda like noah lyles respect for winning with covid
— Gabriel (@ga3rielm) August 8, 2024
“So Noah Lyles apparently tested positive for COVID a couple of days ago and decided to run. Anyone who has actually had COVID for any period of time knows it is amazing he even finished the race if he had symptoms. Lyles also has asthma as well,” another user noted, highlighting the severity of his condition.
So Noah Lyles apparently tested positive for COVID a couple of days ago and decided to run.
Anyone who has actually had COVID for any period of time knows it is amazing he even finished the race if he had symptoms. Lyles also has ashtma as well.
— Robert Littal BSO (@BSO) August 8, 2024
One fan summed up the general sentiment by saying, “Noah Lyles, baby you’re DIFFERENT for still competing in the 200m and finding a way to get on the podium while dealing with COVID. You’re strong, kid, because whew.”
Noah Lyles, baby you DIFFERENT for still competing in the 200m and finding a way to get on the podium while dealing with COVID.
You strong kid, cause whew. #ParisOlympics
— gee. (@geeondruh) August 8, 2024
“I’m sorry, but Noah Lyles winning a bronze medal after coming down with COVID-19 makes him my World Champion even if he isn’t yours,” another fan declared.
I'm sorry but Noah Lyles winning a bronze medal after coming down with COVID-19 makes him my World Champion even if he isn't yours.
— Tzvi Machlin (@TzviLovesSports) August 8, 2024
Lyles had been diagnosed with COVID-19 after his gold-medal win in the men’s 100m race on Sunday, August 4. He was still expected to compete in the men’s 4x100m relay race on Friday, August 9, though his participation remained uncertain due to the circumstances.
