USA Sprinter Noah Lyles Had To Be Carted Off After Getting Upset In 200-Meter Finals, And Everyone Made The Same Ruthless Remark

Noah Lyles

USA sprinter Noah Lyles had to be carted off after being stunned by Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo in the 200-meter finals race on Thursday night.

After claiming Olympic gold in the men’s 100-meter race, Noah Lyles attempted to double down with a second victory in the 200-meter race. But Tebogo pulled off the shocking upset to win gold, with Kenny Bednarek of the United States taking silver.

Cameron Tabatabaie of USA Today shared a two-second clip of a visibly exhausted Lyles having to be carted off following the race. It wasn’t immediately clear if Lyles suffered an injury or was experiencing an asthma episode.

Soon after, it was reported by both NBC and BBC that Lyles tested positive for COVID-19 two days ago, and that the 27-year-old decided to run anyway. Lyles was also spotted wearing a mask before the race:

Fans on X/Twitter weren’t so sympathetic, however. They decided to poke fun at Lyles while questioning his decision to run despite dealing with COVID-19:

Lyles also captured a bronze medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Canadian Andre De Grasse claimed first on the podium, with Lyles’ fellow American Kenneth Bednarek finishing second.

Stunning 200-Meter Defeat Doesn’t Hurt Noah Lyles’ Legacy

Lyles’ loss is unquestionably one of the more shocking moments of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. But it doesn’t diminish his legacy as one of the all-time great runners and American athletes.

He already won his first Olympic gold medal in the 100-meter race, to say nothing of his three world championships and other first-place finishes in the World Relays and Diamond League.

Lyles will be 31 years of age by the time the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California roll around. Only time will tell if the American legend will get the chance to redeem himself with additional Olympic gold then.

Everyone Is Praying For USA Track Star Noah Lyles After Scary Scene Unfolded

Fans were concerned for Noah Lyles, given the events that unfolded after he ran the 200m final at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games on Thursday.

The American track star previously won the 100m by the tightest of margins but registered a time of 19.70 for a third-place finish in Thursday’s race.

Lyles lay down on the track and appeared to be breathing heavily after his sprint. He was subsequently wheeled out of the arena.

His mother has since told NBC Sports her son tested positive for COVID-19 two days ago but chose to run anyway.

“Noah Lyles probably risked his life for that race. Apparently he got diagnosed with covid two days ago, on top of him already having asthma. I pray he’s okay, seriously,” someone wrote on social media.

“Pray for Noah 🙏  He’s human,” another user urged.

“That’s scary. I hope he recovers fine. Especially if he has asthma! 🙏” one comment read.

Most Fans Didn’t Feel Sorry For Noah Lyles

While plenty of folks were worried, there were just as many who had no sympathy for Lyles.

“Apparently has Covid and decided to run anyway,” a user declared.“Seems a bit selfish putting other athletes at risk.”

“Lmao. All that jumping around he was doing before the race started, now he “needs” a cart. Please,” someone else joked.

“I guess getting smoked by 2 dudes in “your” event will make your asthma flare up,” another quipped.

“His injury is just embarrassment,” someone suggested.

Being allowed to participate in an Olympic event after testing positive for a disease that had the entire world under lockdown just a few years ago shows just how far we’ve come as a human society.