Home/Track & Field

via Getty

via Getty

Amid the track and field victories and defeats, the personal lives of Noah Lyles and his Jamaican girlfriend Junelle Bromfield have come under intense public scrutiny. A recent comment by Noah sparked a fiery debate, leading to Junelle facing horrific online harassment and being labeled a “traitor” by some of her critics. The cyberbullying escalated to such an extent that it instilled fear in the minds of many Jamaicans, forcing her to stay away from her hometown.

Despite the negative narrative that was framed against Junelle Bromfield and Noah Lyles, the two sprinters only deepened the focus on their bond. Lyles has continued to be a steadfast source of encouragement for Junelle. From criticizing the trolls to publicly calling his girlfriend an inspiration to young girls, he did it all. But the emotional toll on Bromfield has been significant. However, in such a situation where she even contemplated life-changing decisions to escape the relentless negativity, another person stepped in to provide Bromfield with support and solace. 

Noah’s mother, Keisha Bishop, has always been a mother who knows the struggles of perseverance. And she did not hesitate once to welcome Junelle into her home like one of her own. Bromfield, who had moved to Florida, found herself being cared for in ways she never expected. In a recent heartfelt conversation in ‘Sim Soul Sessions’, Junelle Bromfield confessed how Noah’s mother turned out to be a rock of support for the 26-year-old sprinter.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Sharing the trajectory of the bond she nurtures with Lyles’ mom, she went down memory lane. Before she decided to settle down in Florida, she had met Kiesha only once in the World Championships. She recalled, “When I came, she didn’t ask me to pay rent. She told me to come live with them.” Kiesha put in efforts that went way beyond just words.

The love she received was not expected by Bromfield. “I’m not used to people just taking me in just like that,” she admitted. But Kiesha taught her, “That was a family effort.” After Bromfield settled in Florida, Kiesha made sure to make her feel at home. She took her regularly to practice sessions. “Practice was 40 minutes away, and she took me to practice every morning,” shared Junelle. But that wasn’t all she did.

She made sure to be there on time before her practice session was over to pick her up. “And when it was time to leave practice, if practice ended at 12:30, I guarantee you that by 1 or 1:20, she’s outside waiting,” stated Bromfield. Noah Lyles has been her best friend since 2017, supporting her through the toughest moments, including the loss of her mother in 2019. But life was kind enough to gift her with Kiesha, who, with her genuine affection, turned out to be her second mother. But it’s not just her mother who showered her with love. Noah’s hometown too welcomed the sprinter with open arms!

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Junelle Bromfield finds solace with Noah Lyles’ family amidst her struggles and tough time

After securing the gold and bronze in Paris, Noah Lyles visited his hometown Alexandria, Virginia. However, he wasn’t alone. He was accompanied by the love of his life. While Junelle Bromfield struggled to return home and was scared of the hate that she might receive from Jamaica, a different narrative awaited her when she visited Noah’s hometown with the champion.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Noah Lyles was welcomed to Alexandria with love and admiration. While Noah took to Instagram and shared his overflowing emotions after his visit to his hometown, Junelle too confessed a few thoughts. “Fun visiting your hometown ❤️you are loved🫂”, wrote Bromfield. But what makes this narrative even more crucial is the fact that she has not been receiving the same love from her countrymen.

However, Lyles and Kiesha won’t let her go through the dark times alone. Lyles mom took another initiative to make Junelle happy. Kiesha Caine planted a mango tree in Bromfield’s name, considering her love for the fruit. Kiesha said, “Junelle says she likes mangoes, so I bought her tree.” Bromfield added in excitement, “So now I will be having mangoes in America, the good one too.” For Junelle Bromfield, the Lyles family has indeed become her sanctuary, offering the strength and stability she needed during these tumultuous times.