“It wasn’t until I woke up in the middle of the night on Tuesday morning and my body was aching. I’ve got chills. I’ve got a headache. My sinuses are running. My throat is super sore. I’m like, ‘Oh no. These are all the signs I get before I get COVID.’ I called up the doctors in that moment and said, ‘We need to test. We need to test now,’” Lyles revealed.
Despite the positive test result, Lyles was determined to compete in the 200m event, even though his initial game plan had to be abandoned.
“I had a plan before I got to the 200m and now my plan is out the window. Right now, I’m just trying to get as healthy as possible. They put me on the COVID medication…I’m trying to go through warmups and trying to get as normal as possible each round. I’m trying to throw away any negative thought that I have and keeping that confidence and that idea believing I’m in the shape of my life,” he said.
The billions Simone Biles sits on while her birth mother claims to struggle in poverty
The billions Simone Biles sits on while her birth mother claims to struggle in poverty
The decision to compete despite his illness was not taken lightly. Lyles disclosed that there were discussions with the Team USA doctors about whether he should withdraw from the race.
“Yeah, that was a conversation. While I was getting tested, I was talking to the Team USA doctors and they were telling me what the rules are. They changed them from Tokyo. They said that anyone who has COVID is allowed to compete. It’s up to the governing body of their sport or their country to decide how they want to handle the COVID situation.”
In the end, Lyles chose to race, driven by the belief that he might not have another chance.
“As soon as I heard I got COVID and I was able to compete, I said ‘I am going to try.’ I’m not promised tomorrow, so I’m going to take advantage of what I have today,” he explained.
Faith Kipyegon, Gabby Thomas & Alexis Holmes among stars set for historic prize purse at Athlos track event
Faith Kipyegon, Gabby Thomas & Alexis Holmes among stars set for historic prize purse at Athlos track event
His perseverance paid off, as he managed to secure a bronze medal despite the odds.
“The fact that I was able to get to the finals and still grab bronze, that was a medal I could’ve easily just said ‘Nah I got the gold, I’m good.’ No! I’m here now, I fought for this for 4 years. I trained for this for 4 years. Why not take the opportunity?”
