Noah Lyles Says He Tested Positive for COVID Before Taking Bronze in 200-Meter Final

Mar. 15, 2025

Noah Lyles (center) receives medical attention after competing in the men’s 200-meter final.Photo:KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)

KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)

Noah Lylessays he tested positive for COVID before hefinished in a disappointing third placein the men’s 200-meter final at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Speaking on NBC while wearing a mask, Lyles confirmed that he was sick during the final on Thursday, Aug. 8.

“I woke up early, about 5 a.m. on Tuesday morning, and I was feeling really horrible and I knew it was more than just being sore from the 100[-meter race], ya know,” the sprinter, 27, told NBC’s Lewis Johnson. “Woke up the doctors and we tested. Unfortunately, it came up that I was positive for COVID.”

Lyles added that he never questioned running the 200-meter final.

“No, I didn’t,” he told Johnson. “I just tried to quarantine as much as possible.”

U.S.A. Track & Field said in a statement provided to PEOPLE that Lyles tested positive for COVID on Aug. 6. “In response, the USOPC and USATF swiftly enacted all necessary protocols to prioritize his health, the wellbeing of our team, and the safety of fellow competitors,” the statement said.

“Our primary commitment is to ensure the safety of Team USA athletes while upholding their right to compete,” said USATF. “After a thorough medical evaluation, Noah chose to compete tonight. We respect his decision and will continue to monitor his condition closely.

Said USATF, “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.”

Noah Lyles.ANTONIN THUILLIER/AFP via Getty Images

ANTONIN THUILLIER/AFP via Getty Images

Lyles and countryman Kenny Bednarek finished third and second in the race, respectively, behind Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, who surprised for gold.

Lyles skipped the press conference after the event, but said during broadcast interviews that he had not told his competitors that he had COVID. Tebogo and Bednarek told reporters, including PEOPLE, that they were not concerned about getting COVID from Lyles during the race.

“I mean, I don’t think I was put at risk at all,” Bednarek added. “I mean, I take care of my body. So when it comes to getting sick, that’s rare for me. So, I mean, when I found out it wasn’t that big of a deal. He went out there and did his best while being sick.”

Lyles won gold in the 100-meter finalon Sunday, Aug. 4 before his third-place in the 200-meter final.

source: people.com