Noah Lyles battles COVID-19 to secure bronze in 200-meter final

Noah Lyles fell short in his pursuit of the 100-meter, 200-meter double at the Paris Olympics. He secured the bronze, but had set his sights on becoming the first American to claim both titles in 40 years.

Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo clinched the gold in 19.46 seconds, leaving American Kenny Bednarek — who took silver — and Lyles behind.

Lyles informed NBC after the race he had tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, but opted to compete regardless. His spokesperson verified the diagnosis to ABC News.

Lyles was the frontrunner in the competition, but clocked only 19.70. He holds a personal best of 19.31 — achieved at the world championships in 2022 — and a season best of 19.53.

Lyles appeared extremely exhausted after the race and collapsed on the track following the event. Medical personnel attended to him and transported him off the track in a wheelchair.

The 21-year-old Tebogo achieved a personal best time in the final along with setting an African record.

Lyles also secured bronze in Tokyo three years ago.

Usain Bolt is the final individual to complete the 100 meters and 200 meters — in 2016 — when he achieved it for the third consecutive Olympics. Carl Lewis was the last American to win the 100 and 200 when he accomplished the double at the Los Angeles Games in 1984.