Justin Gatlin ain't blaming Noah Lyles one bit for hitting the Olympics track while positive for COVID ... telling TMZ Sports the opportunity to secure a medal simply outweighed the other risks -- at least, in his mind.
Of course, there were many detractors in the sports world who felt differently ... as they believed the American endangered his fellow competitors and others in the area when heNBC Olympic coverage is exceptional but this their Achilles. All we hear is Noah Lyles, Noah Lyles.Tebogo 1st African & youngest ever🥇 in 200m.But Gatlin -- a USA track legend -- told us on Friday he would have done the exact same thing ... explaining,"this is an Olympic dream you have, man.
Don't get it twisted -- the 42-year-old didn't downplay the seriousness of the disease -- telling us,"I've had a family member who has passed from COVID." He just said he thinks the advancements in medicine have mitigated a lot of the potential issues."This is something that I think with Noah," Justin said,"nothing was going to stop him from getting to that starting line and trying to give this all his best.
Gatlin went on to say that because the Games only happen every four years, he feels Lyles didn't have much of a choice in the matter."This is not like the NBA Finals where it happens every year," he said."Or the Super Bowl where it happens every year. It's never a, 'Well, you'll get 'em next time!'" Lyles -- who won the bronze in the 200-meter event despite the ailment -- did ultimately opt out of Team USA's run in the 4x100 event Friday to recover. The squad went on to lose without him ... though check out our talk with Gatlin -- he believes that race's outcome could have been different with just a few minor tweaks, even without Lyles in the mix.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Noah Lyles Show: U.S. track superstar is on a mission to conquer the Paris GamesMembers of Team USA are claiming their spots for the 2024 Paris Olympics as the gymnastics and track and field finals wrap up. Noah Lyles punched his ticket to the games while Gabby Thomas earned her spot in the women’s 200-meter final. NBC’s Jesse Kirsch reports for Sunday TODAY.
Read more »
How Noah Lyles Is Bringing High Fashion to Track and Field A breakdown of Olympic track and field athlete Noah Lyles fashion and style moments with insight from his stylist. See the details here.
Read more »
USA track star Noah Lyles paints 'ICON' on fingernails for opening ceremonyNoah Lyles has had his sights set on four gold medals in track and field at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris and a world record in the 200-meter — and he showed his self-confidence during the opening ceremony.
Read more »
USA track legend Carl Lewis discusses why sport 'needs' Noah Lyles to dominate at OlympicsTrack and field is looking for a new face, and Noah Lyles has a chance to be that, as he is set to run in at least three Olympic medal events.
Read more »
What to Watch Olympics August 8: Noah Lyles, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone on the TrackThe two stars will look to add to Team USA’s success on the track. Plus, women’s volleyball and men's basketball face stiff competition in the semifinals.
Read more »
Noah Lyles eyes second gold medal at Paris Olympics as track and field events continue onTeam USA is looking to expand its lead in the gold medal count at the Summer Olympics in Paris on Thursday, as American track star Noah Lyles is set to compete in the men's 200-meter final.
Read more »