Fans were concerned for Noah Lyles, given the events that unfolded after he ran the 200m final at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games on Thursday.
The American track star previously won the 100m by the tightest of margins but registered a time of 19.70 for a third-place finish in Thursday’s race.
Lyles lay down on the track and appeared to be breathing heavily after his sprint. He was subsequently wheeled out of the arena.
Noah Lyles was just carted off after the men’s 200m
He was able to get into the chair under his own power, unclear if he was injured or having an asthma episode pic.twitter.com/zPpK8CDApz
— Cameron Tabatabaie (@CTabatabaie) August 8, 2024
His mother has since told NBC Sports her son tested positive for COVID-19 two days ago but chose to run anyway.
Lewis Johnson provides an update on Noah Lyles’ condition after he received medical attention following the 200m final. #ParisOlympics
📺 NBC & Peacock pic.twitter.com/3qRHsNe4JE
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 8, 2024
“Noah Lyles probably risked his life for that race. Apparently he got diagnosed with covid two days ago, on top of him already having asthma. I pray he’s okay, seriously,” someone wrote on social media.
“Pray for Noah 🙏 He’s human,” another user urged.
“That’s scary. I hope he recovers fine. Especially if he has asthma! 🙏” one comment read.
NBC’s Lewis Johnson and BBC confirmed that Noah Lyles (@LylesNoah) ran the Olympic 200m final with COVID.
Tested positive two days ago. He decided that he would run anyway.
Finished third for bronze in 19.70.#Paris2024 #Olympics #Athletics pic.twitter.com/i0TKFxsIi2
— Chris Chavez (@ChrisChavez) August 8, 2024
Most Fans Didn’t Feel Sorry For Noah Lyles
While plenty of folks were worried, there were just as many who had no sympathy for Lyles.
“Apparently has Covid and decided to run anyway,” a user declared.“Seems a bit selfish putting other athletes at risk.”
“Lmao. All that jumping around he was doing before the race started, now he “needs” a cart. Please,” someone else joked.
“I guess getting smoked by 2 dudes in “your” event will make your asthma flare up,” another quipped.
“His injury is just embarrassment,” someone suggested.
Being allowed to participate in an Olympic event after testing positive for a disease that had the entire world under lockdown just a few years ago shows just how far we’ve come as a human society.
