We are facing another summer COVID wave. According to the World Health Organization, infection rates are rising in 84 countries. And amid the excitement of the Olympic Games, even the best among us have proven they are not immune.
After winning bronze in the 200-meter final on Thursday, American sprinter Noah Lyles confirmed he had tested positive for COVID two days earlier. He is one of dozens of other athletes who tested positive during the Games. He told NBC that he had not disclosed his diagnosis to his teammates.
“We tried to keep this as secret as possible,” Lyles, wearing a mask, told reporters after the race. “You never want to tell your competitors that you’re sick. Why would you give them an advantage over you?”
According to NBC, Lyles confided in his trainer, medical staff and family and made the decision to stay in the race because it was his “only chance.”
What COVID protocols will apply at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games?
Unlike the strict protocols of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, COVID guidelines in Paris are much more relaxed, and the decision whether or not to compete despite the virus is up to the athletes and their staff.
“I knew if I wanted to come out here and win, I had to give it my all from the start. I didn’t have time to conserve energy, so that was kind of the strategy for today,” Lyles told reporters at the Games. “This is by far the best day I’ve felt in the last three days. I still wouldn’t say I’m 100%, but I’d definitely say I’m closer to 90 to 95%.”
For many, this move comes as quite a surprise after years of intense COVID precautions. Some have voiced their opinions online, criticizing the sprinter for competing despite the highly contagious disease. One person asks what many are thinking: “Are you allowed to compete if you have Covid?” One epidemiologist commented on Instagram: “This is not a cause for celebration. Putting the health of other athletes (+ coaches, staff, fans, etc.) at risk is not OK.”
Regardless of the severity of the disease, COVID is still highly contagious, experts have already said Assets. Olympians with underlying medical conditions, including Lyles, who has asthma, may be at increased risk for complications from COVID. And even athletes with mild cases of COVID may have diminished performance. After Lyles finished his race, he fell to the ground and was led off the course in a wheelchair.
Lyles has described his COVID symptoms as minor, saying he felt “pretty lightheaded after the race, and shortness of breath and chest pain were definitely active… But after a while I was able to catch my breath and get my senses back together. So I’m feeling much better now.”
The USA track and field organization issued a statement on Lyles’ diagnosis: “In response, the USOPC (US Olympic & Paralympic Committee) and USATF quickly enacted all necessary protocols to make his health, the well-being of our team and the safety of fellow competitors the highest priority.”
It continued: “Our primary commitment is to ensure the safety of Team USA athletes while preserving their right to participate… After a thorough medical evaluation, Noah has decided to compete tonight. We respect his decision and will continue to closely monitor his condition.”
It is not yet known whether Lyles will compete in the 4×100-meter relay this weekend, which would be his final event at the Games.
Fans and COVID risk
In an official statement on the public health protocol for the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, the World Health Organization, the French Ministry of Health and Prevention, Santé publique France and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control acknowledge that attending mass sporting events “increases the risk of exposure to respiratory diseases such as whooping cough and COVID-19.”
The guidelines recommend keeping your vaccinations up to date and staying home or wearing a mask if you have symptoms of respiratory illness such as fever or cough.
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