Reason Noah Lyles was taken away in wheelchair after winning bronze medal in 200m

• America's number one sprinter Noah Lyles was defeated by Botswana's runner Letsile Tebogo in the 200-meter final
• 27-year-old Lyles was reportedly taken off the track in a wheelchair having tested positive for Covid prior to Tebogo
• Lyles was considered the favourite to complete the double, having just won the 100m title days earlier

American track star Noah Lyles was wheeled away in a wheelchair after finishing third in the 200m final at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

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Botswana's Letsile Tebogo claimed victory, securing his country's first Olympic gold medal in the event and becoming the first African man to win gold in the 200m.

Noah Lyles was beaten by Botswana's Letsile Tebogo in the 200-meter final, though it was soon claimed the American star had contracted COVID-19. Photo: Hannah Peters/@DramaAlert (X).
Source: UGC

Tebogo set a new record with a time of 19.46 seconds, while American Kenny Bednarek took silver with a time of 19.62 seconds, per Reuters.

Lyles, who had to settle for bronze, crossed the finish line at 19.70 seconds.

Despite Lyles competing and showing signs of distress, legendary runner Michael Johnson was confident that the medical team had authorized his participation in Thursday's event.

After the race, Johnson provided further insights:

After completing the race, Lyles reportedly collapsed and stayed on the ground at the Stade de France for several moments.

He tried to walk off under his own power but dropped to one knee, leading to the need for a wheelchair to assist him in leaving the area.

Noah Lyles tested positive for COVID-19

According to a BBC report, U.S. Track and Field revealed that Lyles had contracted COVID-19 two days earlier but raced despite being ill.

The sprinter's history of asthma may have compounded the impact of the virus, potentially affecting his performance in the 200m final.

Lyles congratulates Tebogo after 200m race

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Noah Lyles has congratulated Letsile Tebogo after beating him in the 200m final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The Botswana sprinter surprised the whole world as he beat the 200m race favourites to the gold, being the first African to do so.

The 21-year-old cleared the two Americans with a time of 19.46s, which is an African record. Lyles finished third with 19.70, with his compatriot Kenneth Bednarek crossing the line in 19.62s.

Source: YEN.com.gh