Asthma didn't stop Noah Lyles from taking on the 200-metre at the Paris Olympics, even after testing positive for COVID. Despite fears of bronchitis and conflicting reports about his fever, Lyles won a bronze medal just two days after his positive test. He was concerned more about the virus' severe symptoms than his temperature, which his coach Lance Brauman claimed rose to 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
"Anytime I've had COVID, it's never been about the temperatures. It's always been about the body aches, the chills, the headaches and the cold," Lyles told The Associated Press on Sunday. He spoke during an interview about his new Visa campaign involving his mother, Keisha Caine Bishop, who narrated a 30-second reel with her son.
Lyles said his temperature reached no higher than 99 degrees. The only reason he would have pulled out is if the symptoms of bronchitis had become worse. "Then asthma joining in on that and making it even worst, that was our worst fear," he said.
"We were back in the medical bay underneath the track. Their biggest concern was me getting bronchitis because we didn't want something to get infected and the asthma really starts to take form. We really had to jump on top of that.
" Lyles added: "If that was the case, I probably would have had to get a trip to the hospital, for sure." WATCH | Noah Lyles captures 100m gold in photo finish: American Noah Lyles wins Olympic 100m race in a photo finish 7 days ago Duration 7:54 World champion Noah Lyles edged out Jamai.