Noah Lyles: Paris 2024 Olympics sprint double bid wrecked by Covid-19

Lyles, who embraced fellow athletes including Tebogo, said he had tested positive at around 5am on Tuesday after waking up in the night and experiencing symptoms including aching, chills and a sore throat.

He quarantined in a hotel close to the Olympic Village with his team, who he said “tried to get me on as much medication as we legally could to make sure my body could keep the momentum going”.

“I still wanted to run, it was still possible, we just stayed away from everybody,” Lyles said.

“This is by far the best day I’ve felt out of the last three days. Still not 100% but closer to 90 to 95%.

“That only works for one shot. I’ve got to settle down for a while. It’s one and done, there’s no holding back.”

Defeat in the 200m ended Lyles’ ambitious hopes of winning four gold medals in Paris, having had plans to add the 4x400m relay to the world 100m, 200m and 4x100m treble he achieved 12 months ago.

The 4x100m final takes place on Friday at 18:47 BST, with the 4x400m final held on Saturday at 20:00 BST.

Lyles earlier said “we haven’t decided yet” regarding his participation in the relays and that he would have a “very honest and transparent chat with the coaches”.

He added: “No matter what happens, this 4x100m team can handle everything. I’ve been with them in practice, I know they can come out with a win, break as many records as they put their mind to.”