Noah Lyles bids farewell to the 2024 Olympics after bagging a bronze medal in the men’s 200m. He announced his exit after testing positive for COVID-19.
“I want to thank everyone for the supportive messages,” Noah shared on Instagram on August 8. “I believe this will be the end of my 2024 Olympics. It is not the Olympic I dreamed of but it has left me with so much Joy in my heart.” Lyles also praised his fellow competitors, Letsile Tebogo of Botswana and Team USA’s Kenny Bednarek, who won gold and silver respectively.
Lyles had a dramatic finish in the 200m final, dropping to the track and appearing to gasp for air before exiting in a wheelchair. His mother, Keisha Cane Bishop, explained that this was due to his COVID-19 diagnosis, which Noah confirmed. “I woke up early, about 5 a.m. on Tuesday morning,” he told NBC Sports, “and I was just feeling really horrible and I knew it was more than just being sore from the 100. Woke up the doctors and we tested, and unfortunately it came up that it was positive for COVID.”
Despite his condition, Lyles tried to stay optimistic. “We just took it day by day,” he said, “trying to hydrate, quarantined off, and I can definitely say it’s taken its toll for sure. But I’ve never been more proud of myself for being able to come out here.”
Lyles was set to compete on August 9 as part of the men’s 4x100m relay. However, following his 200m race, he doubted if he could participate and suggested that Christian Coleman, Courtney Lindsey, Kyree King, and Fred Kerley should take over. “I’m feeling more on the side of letting Team USA do their thing,” he said. “They’ve proven with great certainty that they can handle it without me. And if that’s the case, coming off today, I’m perfectly fine saying, ‘Hey, you guys have more than enough speed to be able to get the gold medal.'”
Noah Lyles’s journey in the 2024 Olympics may have ended early, but his spirit and resilience have left a lasting impression. While he won’t be competing further, his achievements and positive attitude continue to inspire fans and fellow athletes alike.
