Team USA’s Noah Lyles Catches Covid, Still Manages A Bronze Medal In Men’s 200-Meter Race

The reigning world’s fastest human was almost defeated by a microscopic bug.

Sprinter Noah Lyles woke up sore Tuesday morning, fresh off his gold medal effort Sunday in the Men’s 100-meter race, where he became the first Team USA member to win gold in that event in 20 years.

Feeling drained, he contacted team doctors, and discovered a positive COVID-19 test. He was scheduled for the 200-meter final Thursday, where he was a heavy favorite for the gold medal.

He decided to run, and wound up with a bronze medal.

“My first thought was not to panic, thinking I’ve been in worse situations,” he told NBC after the race while wearing a mask. “I’ve run with worse conditions, I felt. We just took it day by day, trying to hydrate as much, quarantined off, and I’d definitely say that it’s taken its toll for sure but I’ve never been more proud of myself for being able to come out here and getting a bronze medal. Last Olympics, I was very disappointed, and this time I couldn’t be more proud.”

After the race, Lyles fell to the track in exhaustion, and got pushed off in a wheelchair at Stade de France.

Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo was the upset winner of the gold at 19.46, and Team USA’s Kenneth Bednarek copped the silver at 19.62.

Lyle’s condition was known to officials before the race.

Kate Hartman, the chief external affairs officer for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, said in a statement that the group supports Lyles’ decision to compete.

After Lyles’ positive test, she said, “The USOPC and USATF swiftly enacted all necessary protocols to prioritize his health, the well-being of our team, and the safety of fellow competitors. Our primary commitment is to ensure the safety of Team USA athletes while upholding their right to compete. After a thorough medical evaluation, Noah chose to compete tonight. We respect his decision and will continue to monitor his condition closely.”

The sprinter was expected to replace either Kyree King or Courtney Lindsey in the Team USA lineup for the 4×100 relay final on Friday. It’s unclear if those plans could change after his COVID-19 diagnosis.