The 2024 Paris Olympics may be long gone, but the excitement surrounding it hasn’t dwindled. Noah Lyles left crowds in Stade de France gobsmacked with his incredible photo finish win in the 100m finals. Even though he couldn’t replicate it in the 200m finals, his hometown couldn’t have been happier about his accomplishments. The 27-year-old spent some much-needed downtime after all the excitement. But The World’s Fastest Man was finally home. 

As exciting as that is, the reigning 100m world champion received a special surprise on September 22. The Senate of Virginia presented him with Senate Joint Resolution No. 222, which he shared with his fans on X. “Thank you so much @AlexandriaVAGov I know this was last minute but it made a lot that so many of you came out today! And thank you State of Virginia for this Resolution 🥹” The list highlights all of his major professional accolades and expresses their admiration for his success. 

In the image shared by Noah Lyles, the Senate, the General Assembly of Virginia, and the House of Delegates address him as the “champion sprinter from Alexandria,” commending him for his distinction as the 2019 Track and Field News U.S. Men’s Athlete of the Year. But this was just the tip of the iceberg. The Olympian received a hero’s welcome from several fans and city and school leaders at the Alexandria City High School.

Grand entrances have always seemed to be the 27-year-old’s thing. The 2016 ACHS graduate rolled in on a convertible during a rally celebration at Chinquapin Park. Amidst a brassy number by the City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums, the Olympian smiled as he waved to the crowds lining up for a glimpse of him. The celebrations were promptly led into the school’s gymnasium, where Noah Lyles received commendations from U.S. Rep. Don Beyer and the Virginia legislature.

The Track and Field community is overjoyed for Noah Lyles

Putting your hometown on the global map is a huge feat in itself. And if the crowds lining up to welcome the Olympian weren’t indication enough, the celebrations refused to end. Noah Lyles might have graduated in 2016, but the memories he made on the track will always be priceless. After sharing the Senate Joint Resolution No. 222 on X, many acknowledged his achievement.

The official account of the City of Alexandria wrote, “It was an honor getting to welcome the World’s Fastest Man back home.🥇@AlexCityTitans @ACPSk12.” Before the ceremony, they had shared the announcement, hyping the townsmen and women up for his homecoming. We can almost feel the pride from this message, and rightfully so. One of their own has put their best leg forward on the world’s biggest stage. 

The Olympian embarked on his path of greatness by training at the school’s Parker-Gray Memorial Stadium. Since then, the 27-year-old hasn’t looked back, racking up several accolades throughout his journey. In fact, he had previously credited his former high school coach for his work ethic and honing his skills early on.

One fan stated, “Congratulations Noah Lyles.! Welldone for shutting out all the negative energy coming from social media 🔥❤️🫶” We understand how disheartening it is to watch your favorites receive the shorter end of the stick. Another fan agreed, “Well deserved. 🇺🇸🫶🏾❤️” He clinched the 100m Olympic title. But the sprinter received a lot of flak for his performance in the 200m. So, the love he’s receiving now is truly a welcoming change. 

Noah Lyles has never shied away from expressing himself. But his bold statements have often landed him in hot water. In fact, during his stint at the Paris Olympics, his entrance before the 200m finals was scrutinized. It further got worse when he announced he had contracted COVID-19. However, the resolution focuses on and acknowledges his accomplishments instead.

NY Times’ Diplomatic Correspondent Edward Wong exclaimed, “It’s wonderful to see this homecoming for the fastest man in the world at Alexandria City High School, known as T.C. Williams when I went there. Remember the Titans!” You never forget where you’re from. Watching a fellow Titan receive so much love must truly feel rewarding. 

As a junior at T.C. Williams High School, Noah Lyles had clinched one of his earliest wins. The sprinter competed in the 200m, and his blistering 20.83 seconds set a new meet and national junior record. He then went on to clinch a gold in the 200m and a silver in the 100m at the Pan American Junior Championships in Edmonton.

The Mayor of Alexandria, Justin Wilson, joined in, “It was a thrill to welcome Alexandria’s own, the World’s Fastest Man @LylesNoah back home!” He even shared a few snapshots from the celebrations. During the celebrations, Wilson said he took pride in the sprinter using his platform correctly. However, this isn’t the first time the mayor has acknowledged the Olympian.

After Lyles’ third-place finish at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the sprinter and his brother, Josephus, were inducted into the Alexandria City Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022. The pair even received the key to the city and a commendation from Wilson. Back then, the mayor had acknowledged that “advocacy saves lives” and commended the sprinter for speaking about his struggles. So, what do you think of Noah Lyles’ homecoming ceremony? Do you agree with the fans?