Hometown hero’s homecoming: Alexandria embraces its olympic champion Noah Lyles

From the back of a red convertible, Noah Lyles, the fastest man in the world, waved to the crowd during a rally celebration on Sunday. His hometown community in Alexandria warmly welcomed him after his historic victory at the Paris Olympics. 

Hundreds of fans, city officials, and school leaders gathered at Lyles’ Alexandria City High School on Sunday afternoon to honor the 27-year-old track and field star.

Lyles, a 2016 Alexandria City High School graduate, began the celebration in the back of a red convertible car during a rally at Chinquapin Park. Later, he was honored with commendations from the city leaders in the school gymnasium.

Noah Lyles, an American sprinter, won a gold medal in the men’s 100m at the 2024 Paris Olympics and earned a bronze medal in the 200m.

The city Mayor, Justin Wilson, told the crowd at the gymnasium following the rally, “We all remember where we were… when he came on that track, and the screen said Noah Lyles, Alexandria, Virginia.”

Lyles attributed his success to his high school during his speech at the gymnasium, emphasizing the school’s crucial role in his journey. “I’m thankful I have a city that supports me,” said Noah.

He acknowledged the school’s unwavering support and the opportunities it provided him to compete at the highest levels.

He mentioned that the school allowed him and his brother to travel for competitions and set up specific track meets to prepare them for the Olympic trials.

Fighting back tears, Lyles remembered his late high school assistant track and field coach, Rashawn T. Jackson, who passed away during the Olympics. “I’m very thankful for him,” said Noah.

Lyles, refused to answer The Wash questions when the reporter tried to approach him during during the rally.

The City of Alexandria organized the event in partnership with Alexandria City Public Schools and The Lyles Brothers Sports Foundation.

The event also served as a platform for the Lyles Brothers Sports Foundation to host a coat drive, highlighting Lyles’ commitment to giving back to his community.

“Noah Lyles is our official Olympian. He’s from this high school, from our city, so this commemorates his work in Paris about a month ago,” said Alexandria Town Crier, Ben Fiore-Walker.

“It means a lot to the city. It means a lot to the residents of Alexandria,” said Walker, who was wearing a colonial uniform.

Walker said, “Not only is the first president from Alexandria and other presidents since that, but we also have Olympians, and so it’s the idea of yet another thing that Alexandria has to draw attention to itself.”                                                                                            

Lyles is considered the world’s fastest man. He is an American professional track and field sprinter renowned for his 100-meter and 200-meter prowess. His recent triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he clinched gold in the 100-meter sprint, further solidified his position at the pinnacle of the sport. Lyles’ athletic achievements extend beyond the Olympics, with multiple World Championship titles and an American record in the 200 meters under his belt.