Noah Lyles Ran 200m Final with 102-Degree Fever, Coach Reveals

US sprinter Noah Lyles stunned the world by finishing third in the men's 200-meter final despite battling a 102-degree fever, his coach has revealed.

Noah Lyles' "COVID race" took a dramatic turn on Friday when his coach, Lance Brauman, disclosed that the sprinter had competed in the men's 200-meter final with a staggering 102-degree fever.

Lyles' valiant effort fell short of his dream to secure gold and set a world record, as he settled for bronze and collapsed on the track immediately after the race. He was subsequently whisked away by medical personnel, with NBC later revealing that Lyles had tested positive for COVID-19 just two days prior.

Noah Lyles Ran 200m Final with 102-Degree Fever, Coach Reveals

Despite his debilitating condition, Lyles exhibited remarkable resilience by clinching the bronze while posting a personal best of 19.31 — the third-fastest time ever recorded.

"To get a bronze medal in 19.70 with a temperature of about 102, that wasn't too bad," remarked Brauman. "I mean, he was sick. People are going to say whatever they want, and that's fine, but the dude was sick."

Noah Lyles Ran 200m Final with 102-Degree Fever, Coach Reveals

Lyles' courageous performance also highlighted his ongoing battle with asthma, a condition that has plagued him throughout his career. Following the race, he announced his withdrawal from the men's 4x100-meter relay on Friday.

Despite missing out on the gold medal in the 200 meters, Lyles found solace in his stunning triumph in the 100-meter final, which marked the United States' first gold in the event since 2004.

Noah Lyles Ran 200m Final with 102-Degree Fever, Coach Reveals

Lyles had made a conscious effort to prioritize the 100-meter final in the lead-up to the Paris Games, viewing it as an opportunity to step outside his comfort zone and ultimately improve his 200-meter time.

Prior to 2023, Lyles had identified the initial 100 meters as the weakest segment of his 200-meter sprint. However, through physiotherapy balance training, he was able to enhance his speed in the event by aligning his core and leg muscles for optimal movement.

With his Paris Olympic journey concluded, Lyles will return home with a sense of accomplishment, particularly after the disappointment of his bronze medal performance in the 200 meters at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

"I'd definitely say it's taken its toll, for sure, but I've never been more proud of myself for being able to come out here and get a bronze medal," Lyles told NBC Thursday. "Last Olympics, I was very disappointed. This time, I couldn't be more proud."

Lyles' heroic performance with a 102-degree fever serves as a testament to his immense determination and the unwavering support of his team. As he embarks on the next chapter in his remarkable career, he will undoubtedly carry the lessons learned from this unforgettable experience.