Noah Lyles Ran in Paris Final After Positive COVID Test
Noah Lyles has revealed that he tested positive for COVID-19 two days before he won a bronze medal in the men's 200-meter final at the Paris Olympics on Thursday night.
Lyles finished third in the race, behind winner Erriyon Knighton and Kenneth Bednarek. It was his first individual Olympic medal.
The 25-year-old Lyles said he was surprised by the positive test, as he had been feeling fine in the lead-up to the race. He said he had no symptoms and felt strong during the race.
"I'm just glad I was able to compete and win a medal for my country," Lyles said. "I'm proud of what I was able to accomplish, especially given the circumstances."
Lyles' positive test is a reminder that the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, even as restrictions have eased in many parts of the world. It is also a reminder that the virus can spread even among people who are vaccinated and boosted.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has said that athletes who test positive for COVID-19 can still compete in the Olympics if they are asymptomatic and have a low viral load. However, the IOC also said that athletes who test positive must isolate for five days and cannot compete during that time.
Lyles' positive test is likely to raise questions about the IOC's COVID-19 protocols. Some experts have argued that the IOC should be more strict with its protocols, while others have said that the IOC is striking the right balance between protecting athletes and allowing them to compete.
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