American sprinter Noah Lyles sparked outrage among Olympics fans in Paris after he claimed he tested positive prior to the 200-meter final on Thursday.
Lyles finished third with a time of 19.70 seconds behind Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo (19.46 seconds) and American Kenny Bednarek (19.62 seconds).
Lyles collapsed on the track and was taken away in a wheelchair. Later, Lyles announced he tested positive for the COVID virus.
“I was feeling really horrible and knew it was more than just soreness from the 100,” he said, referring to his gold medal run. “I woke up the doctors, tested, and unfortunately, it came up positive.”
However, instead of informing the other runners of his contagious infection, Lyles showed up for the 200m final.
“It’s taken its toll for sure, but I’ve never been prouder of myself for coming out here and getting the bronze medal,” he added.
But Olympic fans were critical of Noah’s selfishness.
One person tweeted: “You hugged Tebogo after the race, knowing you have COVID??? They should arrest YOU!!!”
Others defended Lyles, saying COVID is “just a cold.”
After the 200m race on Thursday, Tebogo called Lyles “arrogant”.
Irresponsible and self serving, putting others at risk.
— ??Dr. Carlotta Falzone Robinson?? (@cfalz001) August 8, 2024
Interesting. He was bursting with energy, clapping and jumping around minutes before the race.
— CenterIceView (@CenterIceView) August 8, 2024
This is so selfish.He posed danger to all other participants who were in contact with him.He should have quarantined himself.That was so low of him
— Gwa giff ?? (@kwachiffu) August 8, 2024
I hope this is not PR to justify him losing and undermine Tebogo archivement
— ArneSlotBall???? (@MiyaTania) August 8, 2024
