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Alexandria’s Noah Lyles wins 200 meters in qualifier and will run two races in Paris Olympics

By James Cullum
Noah Lyles wins the 200 meters at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon, June 29, 2024 (via YouTube)

Alexandria native Noah Lyles won the 200 meters at the U.S. Olympic Trials on June 29, and will represent the U.S. in that race and the 100 meters in the upcoming Olympic games in Paris, France.

The 26-year-old Lyles ran the 200 meters in 19.53 seconds — the fastest time in the world this year.

Lyles also won the 100-meter race at the trials with a time of 9.83 seconds. The qualifying contests were held in Eugene, Oregon, from June 21-30.

The 2016 Alexandria City High School graduate earned the bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics in the 200 meters, and is a three-time world champion in the race, winning in 2019, 2022 and 2023.

He’s also a lifelong advocate for mental health therapy, and said after the race that he thanked God every day he got on the track.

“I’m truly blessed,” Lyles said. “It helps to not have depression. I thank God every day. Every time I get on this track I said, ‘Thank you, God… for getting me through each and every round’ (with) health, mentally and physically.”

The Olympics will be held from July 26 to August 11.

Image via Youtube

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.