In grim news, we are facing yet another summer covid surge . Rates of infection are rising across 84 countries, according to the World Health Organization. And amid an invigorating Olympics games , even the most elite of us all are not immune.
After scoring bronze in the 200-meter finals Thursday, American sprinter Noah Lyles confirmed he tested positive for COVID two days prior. He’s among dozens of other athletes who have tested positive during the Game. He had not disclosed his diagnosis to his teammates, he told the Olympics broadcaster NBC after the race.
“We were trying to keep this as close to the chest as possible,” Lyles, wearing a mask, tells journalists following the race, according to NBC . “You never want to tell your competitors you’re sick. Why would you give them an edge over you?” According to NBC’s live update reporting, Lyles confided in his coach, medical staff, and family, and made the decision to stay in the race because it was his “one shot.
” Unlike the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, officials were not strict on COVID protocol this time around and left competing with the respiratory virus up to the athletes and their staff. “I knew if I wanted to come out here and win, I had to give everything I had from the get-go. I didn’t have any time to save energy, so that was kind of the strategy for today,” he tells reporters at the games.
“This is by far the best day I felt out of the last three days. I still wouldn’t say I’m 100% but I woul.