SAINT-DENIS, France — Given the chance, almost anyone would have done what Noah Lyles did. Probably already have, with far less at stake. Lyles raced the 200 meters Thursday night after being early Tuesday morning.
In other words, he went to work sick. Just as countless Americans do every day. Because they can’t take time off work.
Because they don’t want to get behind. Because they don’t really feel that bad. Because, because, because.
In Lyles’ case, he had a gold medal to win and history to chase. Having already earlier this week, Lyles wanted to join Carl Lewis and Usain Bolt in that exclusive club of sprinters who won gold in both the 100 and 200 in the same Olympics. The goal has fueled him these last several years, and winning the double at last year’s world championships let him know it was within reach.
And then he got sick. Lyles said he woke up in the middle of the night Monday with chills, a sore throat and his body aching. He recognized the symptoms, having had COVID before, and a test early Tuesday confirmed he had it.
He moved into a hotel so he wouldn’t expose others and began taking Paxlovid, an antiviral medication that accelerates recovery. The idea of not racing never crossed his mind, even if he didn’t have his usual speed. Lyles won the bronze medal, finishing a distant third behind Letsile Tebogo of Botswana and fellow American Kenny Bednarek.
“No, no, no. I was going to compete regardless,” Lyles said. “If I didn’t make it to th.
