“I nonetheless needed to run,” Lyles stated speaking to reporters with a masks on.“They (the medical group) stated it was potential.”
Lyles crossed the end line in 19.70 seconds, falling wanting his private document by .39 seconds. The gold medal was claimed by the 21-year-old Botswana runner Letsile Tebogo, who outpaced Lyles by .24 seconds
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Kenny Bednarek, Lyles’s teammate from the US, secured the silver medal. This marked the second consecutive Olympic Video games wherein Lyles and Bednarek achieved a 2-Three end.
“Once I noticed Kenny fade, I knew Noah was far, far, distant behind us,” Tebogo stated, as quoted by The Related Press. “So which means I am the Olympic champion.”
After opening his Paris marketing campaign by a sensational win within the keenly-contested 100m race, Lyles, the reigning world champion within the 200m, aimed to duplicate Usain Bolt’s feat of profitable each the 100m and 200m titles at a single Olympics, a double that hasn’t been achieved since Bolt’s triumph eight years in the past.
Nevertheless, Lyles encountered a setback within the semifinals when he completed second to Tebogo, marking his first loss in a 200-meter race since his bronze medal efficiency in Tokyo.
Following the semifinal defeat, Lyles swiftly exited the stadium and sought medical consideration within the designated tent, an uncommon incidence as he usually engages with the media after his races. His coach assured that Lyles was in good well being.
Lyles revealed that he had examined optimistic for COVID two days after securing victory within the 100m last and promptly entered quarantine. He centered on staying hydrated, getting ample relaxation and getting ready himself mentally and bodily for the upcoming race.
(Getty Photographs)
United States Observe and Discipline (USATF) confirmed that Lyles underwent “a radical medical analysis” and made the choice to compete regardless of the circumstances.
“We respect his resolution and can proceed to observe his situation carefully,” the assertion stated.
The aftermath of the race was unsettling.
Lyles, usually among the many most vibrant athletes on the observe, each previous to and following any dash, succumbed to exhaustion. He fell to the bottom, turning onto his facet, struggling to catch his breath. Slowly, he maneuvered onto his arms and knees earlier than rising to at least one knee, utilizing his fist to take care of steadiness.
After a second, he managed to face, unsteadily making his method in direction of the medical employees, gesturing for a drink of water. In the end, he departed the scene in a wheelchair.
“It positively was an impact,” Lyles stated. “However I imply, to be sincere, I am extra happy with myself than something for popping out and getting the bronze medal with COVID.”
