Noah Lyles: Parade and Celebration for Alexandria's🏅Olympic Gold Medalist
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A Celebration in Alexandria for Noah Lyles
ALEXANDRIA, VA — Hometown hero and Alexandria City High School graduate Noah Lyles, 27, returned to Alexandria for a parade and celebration honoring his success at the 2024 Paris Olympics. An energetic crowd followed the world’s fastest man as he was featured in an outdoor parade at Chinquapin Park at Alexandria City High School.
The school’s band, Alexandria’s Pipes and Drums, cheerleaders and a town crier enthusiastically participated. Onlookers held signs, Olympic flags and cheered as Lyles joined the festivities which then moved into the school gym.
The world’s fastest man slowed down long enough to greet well-wishers, receive honors and speak to the media who came out to celebrate his Olympic success and hear an update on Lyles plans for the future in track and field and beyond.
“We are here to celebrate Alexandria excellence. We are so proud of what you have used your platform to do,” said Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson inside the packed gym at Alexandria City H.S.
“I thank you for this wonderful moment. You know, a lot of people become Olympians, and I’m thankful that I have a city that supports me and comes out and gives thanks that I was even from here,” Lyles said.
Lyles graduated from T.C. Williams High School, now named Alexandria City High School, in 2016. In Paris, France in the 100 meter race on August 4th Lyles won the Gold medal and followed the race up with a bronze medal win in the 200 meters on August 8th despite having COVID.
Lyles dedicated his 100m win in Paris to his former high school track coach at Alexandria City: Coach Rashawn Jackson. Jackson unexpectedly passed away on June 30, 2024. On Sunday as Lyles spoke at the end of the celebratory program in his honor, he credited Coach Jackson as being the one who suggested he compete in the 100m. Lyles cried as he spoke about his former coach.
Sunday's event at Alexandria City H.S. featured a coat drive by the Lyles Brothers Sports Foundation. Noah’s brother Josephus Lyles is also a star runner who broke records at Alexandria City H.S.
On hand for the celebration on Sunday were Lyles mother Keisha Caine, his girlfriend, Jamaican track star Junelle Bromfield, and several elected officials including Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson, who presented the Olympian with a proclamation. Former Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille received the loudest cheer of all elected officials present when introduced. Several members of the Alexandria City Council, as well as State Senator Adam Ebbin and Rep. Don Beyer was also seen in the crowd.
On Monday, Sept. 23, Lyles stopped by Children's National Hospital in the District of Columbia and visited several patients.
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