On October 10, Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson presented the Key to the City of Alexandria to Noah Lyles, Olympian, World Champion, and former Alexandria City High School (ACHS) Titan in a special ceremony at City Hall Market Square. City and ACPS officials, family, friends and members of the community gathered to recognize Noah and his brother Josephus Lyles for their athletic achievements and community ambassador efforts on and off the track.  

Noah Lyles, 25, is a track and field sprinter who won a bronze medal in the 200-meter race at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He is also a 2019 and 2022 World Champion. He has set a goal for himself to break Usain Bolt’s world record of 19.19 seconds in the 200-meter race. According to world championship records, Lyles is the third-fastest man in history. Just a year younger than his brother, Josephus is also an elite sprinter and member of the 2022 U.S World Championships Team.

"Noah and Josephus may be known first and foremost for their athletic achievements. But in the City of Alexandria, these young men are as committed to their community as they are to leaving it all on the track,” said Mayor Justin Wilson.

The Lyles brothers’ great passion for athletics extends into their community work. The mayor called attention to Noah’s interview at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics following his bronze medal win, one of the most-watched Olympic segments in history, in which Noah openly spoke about his struggle with anxiety and depression. After being presented the Key to the City, Noah affirmed he and his brother’s commitment to mental health advocacy.

“During that interview, they told me that I was the only male athlete on the international stage who was speaking on mental health. I took a minute and realized the person was right. I don’t want to be Noah Lyles, the athlete. I wanted to be Noah Lyles, the influencer, the advocate, the community member,” said Noah.

Affirming that commitment, Noah and Josephus founded The Lyles Brothers Sports Foundation, empowering youth through the advancement of health and wellness in the community. In addition to financial support, the foundation shares information about mental health, college preparation, anti-bullying, and stress management for athletes and those who support them.

On October 8, Noah and Josephus were inducted into the ACHS Hall of Fame for their athletic achievements. The Lyles brothers graduated ACHS in 2016.

Mayor Wilson was joined by Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Interim Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt, ACPS School Board Chair Meagan Alderton, and ACHS Executive Principal Peter Balas.

“The Lyles brothers have shown a true commitment to the ACPS school community. As the champions that they are, they have not forgotten the importance of giving back to the community that has enthusiastically supported them on their roads to success. We appreciate the kindness and dedication that they and their family have shown to our students,” said Dr. Kay-Wyatt.

During his remarks, Noah Lyles also thanked the City for its support after graduation.

“Because we went pro out of high school, we didn’t have a collegiate stage. We have the City of Alexandria that gets to be our support. That’s why I believe Josephus and I always come back,” said Noah.

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