Even a track invader couldn’t prevent Noah Lyles from winning his first Olympic gold in Paris, with an unidentified man reportedly stopped right before the men’s 100m final.
It’s claimed the individual – who appeared to be wearing a ‘Free Palestine’ t-shirt – was apprehended by security as he tried to reach the track at the Stade de France.
According to The Mirror, the man was tackled before he could make it on to the running surface where Lyles won gold shortly after.
Speaking after the race – which was slightly delayed – gold medalist Lyles said: ‘Is that what we were waiting for?
‘I didn’t see anybody try to get on the field. But I won’t not going to lie, I was wondering what we were waiting for.
Noah Lyles’ 100M final win could have not taken place if it were not for security before the race
The 27-year-old American narrowly outpaced Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson to win his first gold
‘In the meantime, the crowd were constantly getting more and more hyped. It didn’t feel as if it was completely dead.’
Some viewers were left puzzled by NBC’s long commercial break before the start of the race.
Sunday’s track invasion wasn’t the first time that fans threatened to interrupt Olympic events since the Paris Games started on July 26.
During soccer games in other parts of France, pitch invaders stormed onto the field while the United States faced Guinea and Ukraine played against Argentina.
Security personnel also had to stopped a protester holding a Palestinian flag during a soccer game between Morocco and Iraq.
Several dozen riot police were then deployed along the field to prevent further incidents.
Interruptions also took place during Argentina-Morocco, as fans ran onto the field and threw bottles.
Sunday’s track invader wasn’t the first time an interruption took place at the Olympics as a few happened during several soccer games including USA-Guinea (pictured)
A pitcher invader also stormed onto the field during Ukraine-Argentina back on July 30 in Lyon
A pitch invader holding a Palestine flag was taken into custody during Morocco-Ira on July 30
Security breaches also happened during Euro 2024 like in the semifinal between Spain-France
Cristiano Ronaldo was approached by six pitch invaders during Portugal’s win over Turkey
The game had to be suspended for around two hours with just minutes remaining.
Euro 2024 in Germany was marred by pitch invaders earlier this summer with a fan running onto the field to greet Kylian Mbappe during the semifinal match between France and Spain.
Cristiano Ronaldo even posed for a selfie during Portugal’s win over Turkey in the group stages.
The star forward was approached by six selfie-hunting supporters during the match.
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Read more at DailyMail.co.uk