Noah Lyles Says He Tested Positive for COVID Before Taking Bronze in 200-Meter Final

"You know, I've run in worse situations, I felt," Lyles said of his decision to race with COVID

Noah Lyles says he tested positive for COVID before he finished in a disappointing third place in the men's 200-meter final at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Speaking on NBC while wearing a mask, Lyles confirmed that he was sick during the final on Thursday, Aug. 8.

"I woke up early, about 5 a.m. on Tuesday morning, and I was feeling really horrible and I knew it was more than just being sore from the 100[-meter race], ya know," the sprinter, 27, told NBC's Lewis Johnson. "Woke up the doctors and we tested. Unfortunately, it came up that I was positive for COVID."

Lyles said that he decided to race anyway, as he sought his first Olympic gold in his premiere event. At the 2020 Tokyo Games, he also earned bronze.

"My first thought was not to panic. I was thinking, I've been in worse situations. You know, I've run in worse situations, I felt," he said. "We just took it day by day, tried to hydrate as much and quarantine. 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."

Lyles added that he never questioned running the 200-meter final.

"No, I didn't," he told Johnson. "I just tried to quarantine as much as possible."

U.S.A. Track & Field said in a statement provided to PEOPLE that Lyles tested positive for COVID on Aug. 6. "In response, the USOPC and USATF swiftly enacted all necessary protocols to prioritize his health, the wellbeing of our team, and the safety of fellow competitors," the statement said.

"Our primary commitment is to ensure the safety of Team USA athletes while upholding their right to compete," said USATF. "After a thorough medical evaluation, Noah chose to compete tonight. We respect his decision and will continue to monitor his condition closely.

Said USATF, "As an organization, we are rigorously adhering to CDC, USOPC, and IOC guidelines for respiratory illnesses to prevent the spread of illness among team members, safeguarding their health and performance."

Lyles and countryman Kenny Bednarek finished third and second in the race, respectively, behind Botswana's Letsile Tebogo, who surprised for gold.

Tebogo won with a time of 19.46, edging out Bednarek by 0.06. Lyles finished third in 19.70, and after hugging Tebogo, collapsed on the ground and was helped into a wheelchair by medical staff.

Lyles won gold in the 100-meter final on Sunday, Aug. 4 before his third-place in the 200-meter final.

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