Noah Lyles ran the men’s 200m final with Covid and needed to be wheeled out of the Stade de France after surprisingly finishing third in the race.
NBC said they spoke to Lyles’ mom, who confirmed he had the virus but still decided to run at the Paris Olympics. He was apparently diagnosed two days ago.
The USA star made his trademark theatrical entrance to the race, leaping into the stadium as his name was announced and screaming at the crowd for the race that many had him as the favorite for.
But after being left behind by Letsile Tebogo, who won gold, and fellow American Kenny Bednarek, Lyles was seen strewn on the track and struggling for breath after congratulating his fellow competitors.
Moments later, he was pictured needing a wheelchair to make his way off the track. He arrived for the race wearing a mask.
Noah Lyles ran the men’s 200m final in Paris with Covid, it has been claimed by his mom
Lyles was clearly struggling for breath after finishing third in the event on Thursday
Medics rush to help Lyles after he dropped to the ground and struggled to find his breath
But the USA star was seen hugging gold medal winner Letsile Tebogo before getting attention
Lyles was seen wearing a mask in the moments before his competition began in Paris
Lyles tweeted earlier this week – after winning gold in 100m – that he is asthmatic.
Michael Johnson questioned Lyles’ decision to go ahead and compete, saying on the BBC: ‘Very bizarre, Covid is still a dangerous disease. It is just bizarre, the whole thing is really weird.
‘There is going to be all of this thing with the Noah haters out there – and he set himself up for it – there are going to be people out there saying it’s not real and he’s faking or whatever.
‘But putting that aside, having covid and still coming out here and being in close proximity with other people – I know there probably is not a policy I guess at these Games for that – but morally I’m not sure about it.’
Lyles was seen shaking hands and hugging his fellow competitors before he dropped to the ground.
Earlier this week, it was reported that over 40 athletes had tested positive for the virus.
British swimmer Adam Peaty tested positive a day after winning silver in the 100m breaststroke when he had not felt well, his team said. Australian medal hope Lani Pallister pulled out of the women’s 1500m freestyle after falling ill.
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