The American sprinter has disclosed the motivation behind his decision to compete in the 200m final at the Paris Olympics despite a positive COVID-19 test.
Noah Lyles, who won gold in the 100m, attributes his drive to win everything as the reason for participating in the 200m final even though he was infected with COVID-19.
Despite winning the 100m, Lyles was defeated by Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo in the 200m final, with American Kenny Bednarek taking second place and Lyles securing the bronze medal.
Following the race, Lyles was seen lying on the track before being wheeled away in a wheelchair, later disclosing his COVID-19 diagnosis.
This raised concerns about the decision to let Lyles compete with a positive COVID-19 test, potentially endangering other athletes. However, the sprinter has explained how the situation unfolded.
“The only thing that would stop me was the rules, we were in a situation where as a competitor, I am thinking I only have one shot and nothing is promised tomorrow and I worked so hard to get to today so if it is in the ability to happen, I am going to take it,” Lyles told Access Hollywood.
“The rules are very clear, if you have a fever, you are not allowed to compete but I did not have a fever. I walked into a hotel, the doctors checked on me every hour, I was given tons of medication which I figured out is very expensive.
“It quickly gets rid of most of the symptoms and it shows the amount of time that you have COVID so I was very shocked on how active it was but still, you cannot take care of everything.
“Even leading up to the medal ceremony, I asked the athletes if they were comfortable and the people presenting the medals if they were comfortable with me coming because I did not a situation where everybody felt uneasy and it ruins their Olympics moment.”
Lyles then revealed how he contemplated pulling out of the 200m race after his diagnosis before he summoned enough strength to realize his desire of winning more.
“I told my therapist; ‘at the end of this race, if I have not passed out on the floor then I do not feel that I gave enough’. I knew I would have to give everything to obtain at least one or any medal and I am extremely impressed with myself,” he added.
“At some moment, I thought it was over and I contemplated I could stop because I had done enough but I knew to myself that I would not be okay with saying that because of the younger me that said I want everything.”
