When Noah Lyles won the men’s 100m, bringing the gold to America for the first time in 20 years, many thought he’d be just as dominant in the 200m final.
After all, Lyles had much to say before the race. “I’ll be winning… that man [Kenny Bednarek] ain’t winning. None of them is winning,” he said. “When I come off the turn they will be depressed.”
Then, after taking bronze, he quickly announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19, but many fans think he’s not telling the truth and is using the news as an excuse for why he came in third. People on social media have not held back on that theory.
Before race: 🥳🤪😜
After Race:👩🦽🤢
All the sudden, he has covid and a wheel chair
Arrogant with excuses 🤡
Noah Lyles is a clown https://t.co/OOXmURFVrF pic.twitter.com/pW2vPAWTWZ
— Brandon (@clickthatfollow) August 8, 2024
After his bronze medal in the 200m, US Track and Field have confirmed Noah Lyles has Covid.#BBCOlympics #Olympics #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/X878I5dPW9
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 8, 2024
With the way Noah Lyles came out, all hyped up, jumping all over the place like a jumping jack, now he has COVID-19 😂😂😂. What a lame excuse!
It’s ironic how the COVID didn’t affect him until after he lost to Tebogo Letsile. pic.twitter.com/zxQbaU9YvI
— Ntate Mdluli 🇿🇼🇱🇸🇿🇦 (@NtateRanaka) August 8, 2024
Lyles then went to X, posting a photo of a negative COVID test with the caption, “Thank God, I am Covid free.” Still, many people were not satisfied with what was going on.
“We knew all along that you never had Covid bro we are not dumb,” said one commenter.
“Oh Woow, your Covid recovery was faster than your 200 meters run,” said another.
“These are some sad excuses you have been coming up with,” a third said.
Of course, no matter what you believe about the incident, the only thing that matters is Lyles’s health and the amazing achievements he accomplished at the Olympic Games.
Noah Lyles Confirms Status For 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
After a historic run in the 2024 Paris Olympics, many have speculated that Lyles would be foolish not to return in 2028.
The now 27-year-old should still be able to compete at a high level if he continues a strong training regimen.
“He’s going to be really good through LA at least, and then we’ll see what happens after that,” Lance Brauman, Lyles’s coach, said. “I just need him to keep doing what he’s doing.”
