Many people are eager to understand why Noah Lyles competed in the men’s 200m final at the 2024 Paris Olympics despite testing positive for COVID-19. Concerns and discussions have emerged about the impact of his health on the race and the broader implications of his participation.
Here’s a look at why Lyles decided to compete in the 200m final despite his health condition.
Why was Noah Lyles allowed to run?
Noah Lyles competed in the men’s 200m final with COVID-19 due to the 2024 Paris Olympics’ lack of mandatory restrictions.
Despite testing positive for COVID-19, the 2024 Paris Olympics permitted Noah Lyles to compete in the 200m final. As per the National Post, the Games did not impose mandatory COVID-19 restrictions or regular testing for athletes. Lyles tested positive on August 6. Without strict isolation or participation bans, officials cleared him to compete after a thorough medical evaluation.
Team USA Track and Field and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee followed CDC and IOC guidelines, allowing Lyles to make his own decision about competing. Lyles managed to secure a bronze medal despite his condition and adhered to voluntary quarantine and hydration measures to manage his symptoms and prevent transmission to others.
Will Noah Lyles return to race again?
Noah Lyles has announced that his 2024 Paris Olympics are over due to a COVID-19 diagnosis. After winning a bronze medal in the Men’s 200m final, Lyles confirmed on Instagram that he believes his Olympic journey has ended. He was set to compete in the men’s 4x100m relay final but will not participate due to his illness.
Lyles started the Olympics strong with a victory in the men’s 100m final. However, he finished third in the 200m with a time of 19.70 seconds, falling behind Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo and U.S. teammate Kenneth Bednarek. Lyles ran the 200m race despite having COVID-19, which he disclosed earlier in the week. He needed medical attention after the race and medics wheeled him off the track.
Lyles faced similar challenges during the Tokyo Games, where virus-related issues also affected his performance.
