Noah Lyles’ mother, Keisha Caine Bishop, has publicly criticized the Olympic security team after her son collapsed following the men’s 200-meter final at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Lyles, who had tested positive for COVID-19 but chose to compete, fell to the ground after crossing the finish line, suffering from a high fever and exhaustion. His mother, who was present at the event, pleaded with security to call for a doctor as Lyles struggled to breathe, but they allegedly ignored her requests.
Bishop described the incident as one of the scariest moments of her life, watching her son gasping for air while being denied immediate medical assistance. She expressed her gratitude to the NBC Olympics team and USA Track & Field staff for their support during the ordeal, contrasting their empathy with the indifference shown by the security personnel. Lyles was eventually wheeled away by medics and has since recovered, testing negative for COVID-19.
The incident has sparked controversy, especially given that Lyles competed while infected with COVID-19, potentially endangering other athletes and staff. While some criticized Lyles for keeping his diagnosis private, the U.S. track and field federation stated that all necessary protocols were followed, prioritizing the health and safety of everyone involved. Lyles himself acknowledged that the virus affected his performance but expressed pride in securing a bronze medal despite the challenges.
Lyles now looks forward to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, aiming for his third Olympic appearance. However, the episode in Paris has left a lasting impact on his family, particularly his mother, who has called for better treatment and responsiveness from event security in the future.
