Empty stadium better than one filled with silent fans, says Lyles

Athletics - Diamond League - Monaco - Stade Louis II, Monaco - August 14, 2020. Noah Lyles of the U.S. celebrates after winning the men's 200m Pool via REUTERS/Guillaume Horcajuelo

(Reuters) - It would be better to compete in an empty stadium at the Tokyo Olympics than one where spectators would be forced to sit in silence, American 200 meters world champion Noah Lyles said on Friday.

Lyles, who will compete indoors for the first time in three years on Saturday running the 60m and 200m at the New Balance Grand Prix in Staten Island, said he will be at the delayed Games in Tokyo this year.