Alexandria Community Honored Olympic Medalist and ACPS Graduate Noah Lyles at Rally Celebration

Alexandria celebrated the world’s fastest man, Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) alumnus Noah Lyles, as the community came together on Sept. 22, 2024, at Chinquapin Park and the Alexandria City High School (ACHS) gymnasium. The event was an opportunity for the community to honor Lyle’s achievements at the Olympics in Paris this summer and to reflect on the power of dreams and hard work.

“I just hope that as they look at me they realize that they can do whatever they set their mind to, that they don’t have to follow my path, but they can make their own path,” Lyles acknowledged.

Among the distinguished guests were Alexandria City Mayor Justin Wilson, ACPS Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt, Alexandria City Council members and Alexandria City School Board members. ACPS also paid tribute to late assistant track and field coach Rashawn Jackson, who had coached Noah and his brother Josephus, and sadly passed away earlier this year. Also present for this momentous occasion was the ACHS track and field team as well as the high school’s band and cheerleaders. In the spirit of giving back to the community, a winter coat collection for Alexandrians in need, organized by the Lyles Brothers Sports Foundation, was also a part of the celebration.

“It is truly an honor to recognize the great works of Noah Lyles and what his foundation has done for youth across this nation,” said Dr. Kay-Wyatt. Addressing the rally for the Olympic runner, Mayor Wilson stated, “Everyone of you in this room remembers where they were on that day in August when this man became the fastest man in the world.” 

Lyles brought home the Olympic gold medal in the men’s 100-meter and a bronze medal in the men’s 200-meter event at the 2024 Olympics, both of which represent Noah’s perseverance and his attitude of never giving up. He actually came from behind to win the 100-meter race and the Olympic gold medal and earned the bronze medal in the 200-meter run, despite being ill with COVID-19.

Check out the photo album from this unforgettable celebration.