After weeks of being on the receiving end of the internet flame war, Jamaican sprinter and Noah Lyles‘ girlfriend, Junelle Bromfield, broke her silence today. On August 23, she took to her Instagram and added a post, pouring her heart out in the caption. “I have been getting cyber-bullied for weeks.” Hate on her skin color, her athletic skills, her love interest—everything has been bashed by internet users. However, today, she decided to turn her story into an inspiration for others.

“I grew up hearing black is not beautiful, Your hair is dry, your mouth is too big, your forehead too high…” Bromfield confessed, before adding, “..and when you throw all those insults behind you and start walking with confidence the best compliment you get is your pretty for a black girl.” What drew attention was how the hate was coming from her own kin. “I honestly thought we were past colorism in Jamaica especially as nation that is filled with black people.” 

But, nonetheless, Bromfield is not one to give up, as she gave a heartfelt reminder to “all the girls/women on my profile that you’re beautiful no matter your shade, shape, or size”. 

In today’s day and age, where mental health has been a major talking point in sports, the Jamaican track star’s message also resonated far and wide among her peers. The first to comment on the matter was Noah Lyles. “Baby you are and will always be an inspiration to all little girls feeling this exact way. 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 and go on to do amazing things!”

For Lyles, this is a very personal cause. Battling severe asthma as a child, the 27-year-old was subjected to heavy medication, which caused some unnecessary side effects—they turned his teeth yellow—and incessant bullying. His middle school classmates, particularly girls, teased him. “They were ruthless. An emotional beating, that’s the stuff that really breaks you down,” he had revealed in a talk with TIME Magazine.

Lyles and Bromfield’s relationship has also come under intense scrutiny. Earlier this year, a candid confession put the couple in hot water, when Lyles revealed, “I’ve been getting the drama from Jamaican camps for at least five years now.” Many accused Bromfield of conflict of interest and suspected her of trading information that would give the US an upper-hand in their long-drawn rivalry with Jamaica. However, the Jamaican track athlete dealt with the bullying by brushing it aside.

The 26-year-old shared an Instagram Story back then, showing herself sipping cocktails with the caption, “Living my best life”, angering social media users even more.

As for Junelle’s recent post, underscoring the definition of girl power, the reigning Olympic champion women’s long jumper, US’ Tara Davis-Woodhall, wrote, “F**K THEM! THEY WISH THEY COULD BE YOU,” brushing off the haters.

Assuring Bromfield, Paris Olympics triple gold medalist Gabby Thomas commented, “Thank you for using your platform to share this- WE know you are one of the most beautiful ladies on the track, but what’s even more important is how much you shine as a person and how you light up a room. We love you ❤️❤️” 

Not just the Americans, but also fellow Jamaican athletes also voiced their support for Bromfield. Yohan Blake wrote a thoughtful advice for Bromfield. He wrote, “You are beautiful just the way you are. Let them talk! Most people hate themselves that’s why it’s so easy for them to show hate. Don’t get caught up in what they have to say about you.
Stay focused!”

Notably, Blake has been also vocal about his countrymen’s questionable behavior against their athletes. “My own country Jamaica doesn’t give me the respect and I’m happy they don’t because other people outside do and they appreciate me more than my own country,” he said before adding how he’s “crowned elsewhere apart from Jamaica…Jamaica love winners and once you not winning they not supporting you, but i don’t need their support.”

The second-fastest man and two-time Olympic gold medalist hit a snag after several injuries in recent times. He couldn’t even make it to the Paris Games after he finished fifth in the 100m Trials with 10.21s.

On a seperate note, Kimberly Williams, the Jamaican triple jumper who competed at the 2024 Olympics, also threw her support behind Bromfield. She mentioned, “JB you are beautiful, strong and your worth isn’t defined by these comments. I’m so glad you shared instead of being silent. Your courage to stand up to this kind of negativity can inspire other athletes or even kids to find their own strength. Hold your head up queen 🫶🏾❤️”

Most of the Bromfield well-wishers hailed her mettle to call out the trolls. And at the same time, encourage other women. But Noah Lyles has possibly been her biggest supporter. Through all these ups and downs, he never shied away from acknowledging her brave efforts.

Noah Lyles never misses a chance to root for Junelle Bromfield

The past few days have perhaps been extremely challenging for Bromfield. Her Paris Olympics upset, followed by the already palpable hate she was getting after Noah Lyles claimed to be getting the “drama” from the Jamaican camps for years, intertwined into an intense environment. While Lyles took back two medals from the Paris stage, Bromfield failed to make her mark, after which social media trashed her athletic skills. Post her 4x400m mixed relay, fans suggested that Jamaica should “replace Bromfield.” Even her 400m performance failed to impress the spectators.

However, Noah Lyles stood right by her side. He took to X to say that he was incredibly proud of her. He commended her for going through so much in life that he possibly could not have, and also reiterated her stature as an athlete. Lyles said, “Beyond that she is a survivor, 2x Olympian, Olympic medalists, Multi world championship medalist, and has been representing Jamaica on the world stage since she was 8 years old.”

Also, Lyles appreciated her capacity to deal with the hate. He stated that in her own country, people have disrespected and attacked her. Even though most have never met her, heard her name, known her beliefs, or seen her smile, he appreciated that her faith in God is what keeps her going, knowing that God will always find a way. “Thats why God keeps blessing her,” he said. And today, it is evident that Junelle has a slew of athletes rallying behind her.