“It is not the Olympic I dreamed of,” wrote Noah Lyles in an Instagram post from August 9 as he announced the end of his run at the 2024 Paris Games. With one gold and one bronze medal, it wasn’t quite the fairytale tournament the Florida native had envisioned. While his nerve-wracking photo finish in the men’s 100m final gave many fans hope that Noah would breeze to another triumph in the longer distance, the 200m final turned out to be a disaster. However, Lyles didn’t miss his shot at gold despite all adversities, thanks to one Olympic rule that played in his favor.

Track fans weren’t happy about how Lyles ran the 200m final while being turmoiled by COVID, and took to social media to express their grievances over the matter. However, considering how there is a major loophole in the rules of the IOC involving such situations, Lyles was ready to put everything on the line.

In an interview with NBC News on August 22, Lyles talked about how things went down at Stade de France in Paris. The 27-year-old emphasized the elation he felt after winning the 100m dash, but also described how quickly things took a turn for the worse just two days later. However, Noah’s physical condition wasn’t severe enough in the eyes of the IOC to prevent him from running the 200m.

The host of the interview raised the same question that has been doing the rounds across the track community ever since Noah’s COVID situation came to light: why did he choose to run instead of giving his body rest? “The rules said that if you have a fever, you technically cannot run. Thankfully, I didn’t have a fever,” revealed Lyles to his interviewers.

His explanation on the matter might finally put an end to the debates that have been raging across cyberspace for the past few weeks, and we hope fans can finally celebrate Noah’s Olympic triumphs as he deserves. But for now, he might be looking at some break time before he gets back into racing.

Noah Lyles to take a sabbatical before getting back on track

In the months leading up to the 33rd Olympic Games, Lyles was brimming with optimism. Winning races in several tournaments before July, the sprinter was expected to do better at the Games than how he performed in Tokyo three years ago, and his confidence was also off the charts. In March, Lyles went as far as claiming he would fly to Paris with the objective of dethroning the iconic Usain Bolt from his high seat. With things not panning out as per his wishes in the French capital, speculations and rumors about Lyles’ retirement started doing the rounds on social media platforms. However, on August 12, the Fastest Man in The World made it clear that he will be competing at the 2028 Los Angeles.

“I’d definitely say it’s unfinished business, me and this Olympic 200m,” said Lyles in another interview with NBC on August 21, underscoring his plans to stay away from running for the summer. The article, however, noted that he might not be returning to action anytime soon. “I can’t see myself having a very long indoor season,” Noah was quoted saying by NBC as he stated his plans to run at the Boston New Balance Grand Prix in February next year. What do you think the future holds for the national sensation? Tell us below!