Olympic sprinter Noah Lyles is facing widespread criticism after he was seen partying at L’Arc Paris just days after revealing he tested positive for COVID-19. Lyles, who secured a gold medal in the 100-meter dash and a bronze in the 200-meter dash at the 2024 Paris Olympics, sparked controversy with his decision to compete despite his diagnosis.
Noah Lyles’ Choice to Compete with COVID
Lyles admitted to testing positive for COVID-19 shortly before the men’s 200-meter final, where he finished third. In an interview with PEOPLE, he explained his decision to compete, stating, “[I was like] ‘Let’s try and keep this as normal as possible,’ knowing that I’ve handled stuff like this in the past.” He emphasized his belief in his ability to perform under pressure, even in less-than-ideal circumstances. “I know that I can go out there and still put on a great performance,” Lyles added.
Despite his confidence, Lyles faced backlash for potentially exposing others to the virus. Social media erupted with criticism after footage surfaced of him celebrating at a nightclub. One user on X (formerly Twitter) commented, “Irresponsible for you to perform while you have Covid. And you also hugged other athletes.”
Backlash Intensifies After Nightclub Appearance
The controversy grew after Lyles was seen partying at L’Arc Paris, wrapped in an American flag. Many questioned whether he had fully recovered from COVID-19, with some even doubting the authenticity of his initial diagnosis. “Noah Lyles didn’t have Covid when he won the 100 but suddenly did when he lost the 200, now he’s in the club dancing lmao,” one tweet read.
In response to the backlash, Lyles posted a picture of a negative COVID test on X, reassuring fans that he was no longer contagious. However, skepticism persisted, with one user replying, “We knew all along that you never had Covid bro we are not dumb.”
Reflecting on his Olympic experience, Lyles acknowledged that it wasn’t the dream Olympics he had hoped for but said it still brought him “so much joy in my heart.” Despite the controversy, Lyles remains proud of his achievements and looks forward to future competitions.