Paris, France.- After US sprinter Noah Lyles ran the men’s 200-meter final on Thursday and took home a bronze medal, fans and experts alike were wondering what had happened to the track star. The reason, it was revealed, is one that is affecting several athletes at this Olympics: Covid-19.
At least 40 athletes at the Paris Olympics have tested positive for Covid-19, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed in a recent press conference.
“Covid-19 is still very much with us. The virus is circulating in all countries,” said Maria Van Kerkhove, director of preparedness and prevention of epidemics and pandemics at the WHO.
“However, in recent months, regardless of the season, many countries have experienced waves of COVID-19, including at the Olympic Games, where it is not surprising to see infected athletes, because as I said before, the virus is circulating unchecked in other countries.”
In contrast, at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, only 33 positive cases were reported among the 11,300 athletes, according to the Olympics website. At that time, the competitions proved to be safe for both the participants and the population of Japan, thanks to the fact that the organization of the Olympics followed the measures established by the WHO.
Among the rules established, he highlighted that foreign athletes had to undergo Covid-19 tests before leaving their respective countries, in order to avoid having to undergo 14 days of quarantine. That year, there were also no spectators at the competitions, the use of masks was mandatory and athletes were required to undergo a Covid-19 test at least once every four days.
None of these extreme measures were implemented in France, although the WHO revealed at a press conference that they have been working with the IOC to combat the virus over the past few weeks.
“We have seen more people wearing masks at the Olympics, and I think that is to take into account the circulation of SARS-CoV-2,” said Maria Van Kerkhove.
However, the case of American sprinter Noah Lyles sparked controversy on social media about whether athletes who have tested positive for Covid-19 should compete or not in the Olympics, as they could put their lives at risk. Lyles, according to NBC at the end of Thursday’s race, was diagnosed with Covid just two days ago, and yet he decided to compete and, so far, it is known that he is allowed to do so.
“I woke up early, about 5 a.m. Tuesday morning, and I felt really horrible and I knew it was more than just being sore from the 100-meter race (in which he won gold),” the 27-year-old sprinter explained to NBC.
“I woke up the doctors and they tested me. Unfortunately, it turned out I was positive for COVID. My first thought was not to panic. I was like, ‘I’ve raced in worse situations. ‘ We just took it day by day, tried to hydrate as much as possible, and quarantined ourselves.”
Lyles, who has a history of asthma, lay down on the track almost immediately after crossing the finish line, which is atypical for him, who is usually jumping, shouting, dancing and becoming elated after each race. He needed medical attention shortly afterward, until he was wheeled off the track in a wheelchair.
“It (Covid-19) has definitely taken its toll. But I’ve never been more proud of myself for being able to come here and get a Bronze medal.”
Another high-profile athlete to be struck down by Covid-19 at the Paris 2024 Olympics was British swimmer Adam Peaty, who tested positive a day after winning silver in the 100m breaststroke. According to his team, Adam was not feeling well, which apparently affected his performance during the race.
Australia’s Lani Pallister, after testing positive for Covid-19, voluntarily withdrew from the women’s 1,500-meter freestyle, and decided to isolate herself in her room at the Olympic Village to recover. She was soon cleared by her doctors to compete in the women’s 4×200-meter freestyle relay, earning Australia the gold medal.
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