Noah Lyles didn’t get the fairytale ending he envisioned for his journey at the Paris Olympics, especially after being diagnosed with COVID-19, which led to a bronze finish in the 200-meter race and forced him to withdraw from the 4×100-meter relay. Despite these setbacks, Lyles earned widespread respect for his remarkable performance, particularly after securing gold in the 100-meter race. His confidence and vibrant personality brought significant attention to the event, making him one of the standout athletes of the Games.
After Lyles’ Olympic campaign officially came to an end with his withdrawal from the 4×100 relay, the Paris Olympics organizers paid a special tribute to the American sprinter on social media. They shared an edited image depicting a statue of Lyles and expressed their gratitude for his contributions to the sport.
“You made us dream and you made the purple track at the Stade de France shine. Thank you and see you very soon, champion!” the Paris Olympics account wrote on Instagram.
Lyles, touched by the gesture, responded with appreciation: “Paris, you have given me the best crowd ever. I’m so honored to have been able to put on a show for you.”
Lyles concluded the Olympics with two medals, both in individual events. In addition to his gold in the 100 meters, he took home bronze in the 200 meters. While it wasn’t the finish he had imagined, his achievements at the Games were undeniably significant, cementing his status as one of the top sprinters in the world.
As highlighted by the Paris Olympics, Lyles turned the sprinting events into must-watch moments, captivating audiences with his performances and personality.
