Noah Lyles is not just a confident and outspoken Olympic gold medalist; he’s also a person who has faced his fair share of struggles on his way to success. His childhood wasn’t easy—he dealt with health issues, feelings of abandonment, and bullying, which left a mark on him. But what’s really inspiring is how he openly shares the pivotal role his family has played in his life. His mom, Keisha Caine, his brother Josephus, his dad Kevin (sometimes), his sister Abby, and his girlfriend Junelle Bromfield have all been his rock.

Noah often talks about how their love and support have helped him through the tough times and shaped him into the athlete he is today. He’s not afraid to speak about his feelings and the importance of mental health, showing that even champions have their battles to fight. During his childhood, Noah Lyles’ family faced financial struggles, and he openly battled depression. Despite these challenges, they remained united, and now Lyles uses his platform to inspire others to overcome adversity.

Just before the U.S. Olympic Trials, Noah Lyles joined an interview with USA Track and Field titled, “Interview with Olympic Sprinter Noah Lyles at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials — Track & Field.” During this conversation, Lyles expressed what his family meant to him to navigate the ups and downs of his journey. He noted, “Yeah, it’s a very comforting feeling. It’s a very hard task to deal with as well.” Lyles explained how he and his family members—his brother, mother, and sister—are all at different stages of their lives.

He elaborated on the emotional balancing act he faces, stating, “It can be very hard to figure out, you know, am I supposed to be happy in this moment that I made it, or am I supposed to be, you know, compassionate and, you know, opening my arms to my brother.” Lyles underscored the importance of communication within the family, acknowledging that “And with that comes a lot of communication between ourselves. But we all know that no matter what happens, we have joy for each and every one of each other, sure, to be able to get through whatever moment we’re getting through.”

However, nothing was easier for Noah Lyles! Noah’s parents, both former track stars, divorced in 2008, leaving Noah and his brother navigating tough times, even facing financial hardships after the split. The split created a rift between them, leaving Noah and his brother, Josephus, without the strong father-son bond they once had. This emotional gap, combined with the financial struggles that followed the divorce, made life challenging for Noah during his formative years.

While his father remained involved to some extent, attending competitions and offering support, the separation left Noah feeling a sense of abandonment. These challenges, along with the hardships of moving into a modest apartment with flickering lights and unstable living conditions, added to the emotional and financial weight Noah had to carry. However, Lyles’ toughest periods came in 2019 and during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through it all, his family’s strength and unwavering support helped him persevere.

How Keisha Caine lifted Noah Lyles

Noah Lyles has faced some serious battles with depression, pressure, and homesickness, especially when his brother Josephus didn’t make the cut for certain events. One of the toughest times for him came while preparing for the 2019 World Championships in Doha.

Feeling overwhelmed, his mom, Keisha, flew all the way to Amsterdam just to lift his spirits. She even brought his favorite cereal, Raisin Bran Crunch, which, though small, was a heartfelt gesture that gave him the comfort he needed during a really rough moment.

In an interview back in the 2021 Olympics, Lyles shared, “I had to make a decision. I was like, ‘Alright, I’ve got to get better. I can’t let this control me.'” His mom’s constant support has always been his rock. Lyles revealed how much her hard work meant to him and his brother.

“My mom is a hard worker. I remember her saying constantly, ‘I don’t care what the job is; as long as I’m able to make money for my family, I’ll do the job. And I will do it to the best of my ability.’ That’s how I approach life,” he said, showing just how much her strength has shaped him. With this, it shows what family means to Noah Lyles!