Paris Olympics was brilliant for many, but the same cannot be said for Junelle Bromfield. Paris was not just a backdrop for sprints but it put her resilience and emotions to test. Junelle had an impressive performance on the track, but her real test came off-track. She faced a bunch of criticism that unfortunately extended beyond her prowess on the track. Some of the online hate even crosses personal boundaries. Junelle has represented Jamaica since she was eight. The sudden wave of backlash from the people who cheered her on was a lot to take.

That’s not all. Junelle was not just fighting the pressures of the Olympics. She was also fighting off the increased spotlight that comes from being Noah Lyles’ girlfriend. Noah Lyles has not missed the spotlight since he won the Olympic Gold in 100m. The fastest man went on to make some remarks on the Jamaican training camp dynamics. As harmless as the comment seems at first glance, it was enough to spark a controversy. Soon, social media was a battlefield and Junelle was in the middle of it. She found herself being racially targeted, criticized, and even belittled. But if you thought this queen would back down, think again.

Loud “Yes Queen” cheers for Junelle!

Junelle Bromfield’s battle has not been easy. However, like a true queen, she fought it with grace. “I have been getting cyberbullied for weeks and when it gets talked about I’m a liar because no Jamaican was coming for my features,” she said. “I grew up hearing black is not beautiful, your hair is dry, your mouth is too big, your forehead too high. And when you throw all those insults behind you and start walking with confidence, the best compliment you get is you’re pretty for a black girl.” The post was a reminder of how beauty transcends the boundaries of color, shape, and size.

Noah quickly backed her up writing, “Baby, you are and will always be an inspiration to all little girls feeling this exact way.” Guess what happened next? Despite all the vitriol and noise, the narrative started to shift. Noah and Junelle have gotten the fandom going gaga and stan their relationship too with pictures from their vacation together. And the comments on the post had done a 180! Comments like “MY BOY NOAH IS WINNING WITH THIS BEAUTIFUL CHOCOLATE QUEEN” and “Yes, queen!” started flooding her posts. The tides are surely changing. While many saw her as the epitome of controversy, the world has also started to take account the strength it takes to rise above public scrutiny.

Lyles as a controversial man himself understands it better than anyone. He went on to write, “I can’t wait for the day that you tell your story in full because every girl that has felt what you are going through will know how amazing they can be.” Hear Hear to that! Meanwhile Junelle understands the larger implication that hate comments on public platforms can have. She went on to write,  “I could go off ranting but I’m just here to tell all the girls/women on my profile that you’re beautiful no matter your shade , shape or size and for the little black girls don’t wait on anybody to tell you that your beautiful to believe it.”

The Colossal Pillar of Support: A Power Couple Built on Resilience

Junnele Bromfield has a reliance that not many can boast about. Even though Junelle did not win any medals at Paris Olympics, she is a two-time Olympic medalist. Junelle won the Gold in 4×400 m relay at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She also holds a Silver from World championships, that she won with her relay squad. Medals on track aside, the core of Junelle’s resilience is her relationship with Noah Lyles.

Lyles’ support was evident when he posted on Instagram, “I just want to say how incredibly proud I am of my GF and give her the flowers she deserves now 💐. She has been through so much in her life that I could never imagine fighting through.” His post was not a mere appreciation of Junelle but a declaration that they will be fighting all battles to come head-on and together. “Beyond that she is a survivor, 2x Olympian, Olympic medalist, Multi world championship medalist… But the most impressive thing I’ve seen recently is how she’s dealt with the pure disrespect and hatred towards her from her own country,” he added.

Junelle Bromfield’s story is one of facing hate, finding love, and standing tall despite it all. With unwavering support from Noah Lyles and the growing “Yes Queen” army, Junelle’s story is only just beginning. While the two are on vacation now, it is safe to say that when they are back, the world can expect some great things.