“I believe this will be the end of my 2024 Olympics,” Noah Lyles penned this as part of his signing-off message on X, gutting his fans. Contracting the Covid virus at the Paris Olympic Village had brought his stint to an abrupt end, leading him to exit before the men’s 4x100m relay. Masked up, he showed up for the 200m medal ceremony and ‘elbow-bumped’ the official after receiving his medal. But, it seems that he has broken free from the shackles of the disease.

Yes, you read that right! As though replicating his lightning speed on the tracks, Lyles’ immunity has made him Covid-free in less than 5 days! Taking to Twitter, the reigning 100m Olympic Champion has just added an update that he’s no longer in the clutches of the infection. Grateful to god, he posts his single-lined test result, exhibiting that he is back in the pink of health now. Just a day before the Paris Olympic Closing Ceremony, this comes in as an update that has boosted the spirits of the track and field fans.

Tuesday morning 5 a.m. is when Noah Lyles tested positive for Covid, just a day before his much-awaited 200m finals. However, as ESPN’s Coley Harvey reported that Lyles ‘kept this under the vest‘ and did not let out the slightest hint of his illness to his competitors. With nothing dampening his resolve, he still showed up for the finals, ultimately bagging a bronze in 19.70 seconds. But post the race, he was seen having a difficult time. He had to be carted off the tracks in a wheelchair, as the world watched the fastest man struggle to catch a breath.

Opening up on the same, Lyles mentioned, “I still wanted to run, they said it was still possible so we stayed away from everybody and took it round by round.” The USATF also released a statement saying that their primary concern was the safety of Team USA’s athletes, whilst ensuring that their rights to competing are upheld. And in this case, “After a thorough medical evaluation, Noah chose to compete.” Which is why they supported his decision, as well as were keeping close tabs on his health.

Well, it is not just Lyles. Covid has been a common sighting at the Paris Olympics camp. Many notable athletes, like swimmers Adam Peaty, Lani Pallister, and Zac Stubblety-Cook had also been diagnosed with the contagious disease. As per a UN report, 40 athletes have been struck so far. However, unlike the rigid norms that were in place at Tokyo, Paris Olympics has no harsh restrictions. No social distancing norms exist in general as the games this year were an attempt to swing back to Olympic normalcy. But, it was Noah Lyles that came under the fan radar for his allegedly ‘irresponsible’ step.

Covid led Noah Lyles’ to pay a price

Post his victory Noah Lyles said, “It’s taken its toll for sure, but I’ve never been prouder of myself for coming out here and getting the bronze medal.” He really pushed himself on the D-day, and ended up getting a podium finish nonetheless. In fact, before the race, he was seen entering with his mask on. But there were some who criticized him for hugging his Tebogo after the race. Irrespective, Kenny Bednarek did not seem bothered by the incident. If anything, he only wished better for Lyles. “I don’t think I was put at risk. When I found out, it wasn’t that big of a deal. He went out there and did his best while he was sick and I hope he gets better.” 

Keeping the backlash aside, the biggest cost that Lyles had to pay was a lost medal chance. Lyles did not want to be done, as he had the impending men’s 4x100m relay final to cater to. However, due to Covid, he decided to pull out from the Olympics altogether. In his place, the USA phenoms that competed in the heats were: Christian Coleman, Fred Kerley, Kyree King, and Courtney Lindsey. But, in the finals, Lindsey was further swapped with Kenny Bednarek. Even though the possibility of another Olympic medal was a dashed dream for Lyles,’ he made sure to cheer for his compatriots. Taking to Instagram, he wrote, “Although I won’t be able to go to war with y’all Ik you will come out with the victory!” 

But now, the days of Covid gloom are behind him. Do you think he will make an appearance at the Closing Ceremony on August 11? Let us know below.