Triple world 200m champion has explained why his 200m bronze medal from the Paris Olympic Games remains one of his favourite medals.
Noah Lyles was hugely favoured to win the race but ended up finishing distant third behind and Kenny Bednarek who finished first and second respectively. He later admitted to having tested positive for COVID and therefore did not compete in his great shape.
In an interview with the, explained that despite finishing third, he felt like he had accomplished a mission and did not beat himself up or doubt his abilities. He was aware people were going to talk but he shut all the negativity out.
American sprinter and 100m Olympic champion Noah Lyles has shared his thoughts on what he thinks Athlos 2024 did differently from other meets.
“It’s probably one of my favourites. It’s so crazy. In the last Olympics, I got bronze and I was so defeated and then this year I grabbed the gold in the 100m but again grabbed the bronze in the 200-meter and that was the hardest medal I ever had to fight for. I felt so accomplished because I felt like it was only something that I could truly do,” Noah Lyles shared.
He claimed that before the 200m, he was not feeling okay fully but he knew that despite that, he was going to show up for the race and put his best foot forward. He was also cautious to make sure he did not ruin any other athletes’ Olympic Games while making his dream come true.
The added that the decision to run despite his status was to avoid doubts in the future and also inspire young athletes to always show up no matter the situation. He did not want to make an excuse out of the situation not to run and decided to step on the track for the 200m final.
“I knew I wasn’t 100 per cent. I knew I was going into an uphill battle. Despite that, I was going to try anyway because tomorrow is never promised. While trying to make sure everyone else’s Olympic moment was not ruined, I decided that I was going to go out there and protect myself and them and give it my all,” Noah Lyles said.
Junelle Bromfield is considering quitting track and field due to a lack of appreciation from Jamaican fans and personal struggles, insisting that she is more business-oriented and would thrive in that setting.
“If I look back now I would have always said ‘what if.’ I would have always thought about ‘why didn’t I try,’ or ‘why didn’t I fight harder,’ because it was hard or because I was scared. People say once you get sick you have an excuse. I don’t want an excuse.
“I want to be able to put my best foot forward. Maybe there’s going to be someone out there who also catches COVID-19 at the Olympics and they’re going to think it’s over. But because they saw my story they decided to fight through this. And maybe they’ll be better than me and get gold.”