Gabby Logan brands Olympics star 'selfish' in stinging attack live on BBC

Gabby Logan

Gabby Logan has branded Noah Lyles 'selfish' after he raced in the 200m of the Olympics last night - despite testing positive for Covid

BBC
Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 09/08/2024

- 12:43

Noah Lyles has caused controversy after racing despite testing positive for Covid

Gabby Logan has branded Noah Lyles 'selfish' after he raced in the 200m of the Olympics last night - despite testing positive for Covid.

The Team USA star went into the big event hoping to win a second gold medal, having previously done so in the 100m earlier this week.


But Lyles was ultimately forced to settle for bronze after finishing behind Kenny Bednarek and Letsile Tebogo.

After the race, it transpired that Lyles had tested positive for Covid and opted to race regardless.

Gabby Logan

Gabby Logan has branded Noah Lyles 'selfish' after he raced in the 200m of the Olympics last night - despite testing positive for Covid

BBC

And Logan, speaking live on BBC, ripped into the American by saying his decision was 'quite selfish'.

"A decision to race is one thing when you have something like that, but also the introductions [stadium entrances]… really interesting, that that's a waste of energy," she said.

"There's also, I imagine, some people thinking, 'Well hang on, you're going in the call room, you're with people in a small space, there's a potential to give other people Covid'.

"It seems to be quite a selfish decision."

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Lyles hugged and high-fived many of his rivals on Thursday after winning bronze.

There are no rules that force Olympic athletes to withdraw from competitions if they return a positive test.

Team USA have said they rely on individual athletes to decide what's best for them, leaving them free to make their own decisions on the subject.

Tebogo playfully dubbed Lyles 'loud' and 'arrogant' after becoming the first African to win Olympic gold in the 200m.

READ MORE: British Olympic medallist shuts down Good Morning Britain host over misinformation

But the Botswana star also defended Lyles, too, insisting he took precautions to ensure he didn't pass the virus on.

"Personally, I wouldn't say we were at risk because it's not a contact sport. So even during the warm-ups and in the call room, he was just there by himself," said the 21-year-old.

"Personally, I wondered why [he was by himself]. I didn't want to make assumptions about what he could be going through.

"But afterwards, all he said – after the 100m final – I thought maybe it was just one of those days when he's not having a great day but I didn't think of Covid or anything else."

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Noah Lyles

Gabby Logan thinks people will be unhappy with Noah Lyles for competing at the Olympics despite returning a positive Covid test

REUTERS

As for Lyles, the 27-year-old said he first experienced symptoms on Tuesday.

"I woke up early about 5am Tuesday morning, feeling really horrible," he said.

"I knew it was more than being sore from the 100.

"My first thought was not to panic, I've been in worse situations, I've been in worse conditions.

Noah Lyles

Noah Lyles has refused to apologise for racing at the Olympics despite having Covid

REUTERS

"I took it day by day, tried to hydrate as much. It would say it has taken its toll, for sure, but I have never been more proud of myself coming out here and getting a bronze."

When asked specifically if he regrets racing, he added: "No, no. We just said we were going to quarantine as much as possible and not try and pass it on."

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