News

World champion sprinter Noah Lyles named a ‘Living Legend of Alexandria’

By James Cullum
1/17

World champion sprinter Noah Lyles joined the ranks of a privileged few last night (Wednesday) when he was formally named a Living Legend of Alexandria.

Lyles and 11 other Alexandrians were recognized with the annual honor during a ceremony at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.

“It’s a blessing to be honored,” Lyles told ALXnow. “Sometimes people just go about their day and think that that’s enough. Luckily, what I do, people get inspiration from.”

This year, Lyles won his fourth consecutive victory in the 200 meters at the World Championships in Tokyo in September. He also captured the bronze medal in the 100 meters and anchored the U.S. 4x100m relay team to a gold medal. 

Last year, he won the gold medal in the 100 meters in a photo finish and bronze in the 200 meters in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Back home in Alexandria, Lyles received the key to the city and is featured in the Alexandria City Public Schools’ Athletic Hall of Fame.

The mission of the Living Legends of Alexandria awards is to “identify, honor and chronicle the lives of individuals who have contributed to the community in an exemplary and lasting way.”

Mayor Alyia Gaskins congratulated the awardees and said that only a select few are chosen every year.

“You were chosen because of your dedicated service, leadership and love for the Alexandria community,” Gaskins wrote in a letter to the recipients. “Your actions reflect the very best of our city and exemplify our values of inclusiveness, kindness and civic pride.”

The full list of 2025 Living Legends of Alexandria are below.

  • Mary Lee Anderson, executive director of Senior Services of Alexandria
  • Ana Bonilla-Galdamez, a family engagement social worker at Alexandria City High School
  • Gerald File, decorated Marine Corps officer, civic leader and lifelong Alexandria resident
  • Charlotte Hall, business and civic leader
  • Iburia Hall-Haynes, lifelong educator and community leader
  • Noah Lyles, world champion sprinter, Olympic gold medalist
  • David Mercer, Lifelong Alexandrian, attorney and community leader
  • Robyn Nichols, 40-year Alexandria law enforcement officer
  • Patrick O’Brien, longtime former director of the Alexandira Library
  • Kitty Porterfield, longtime educator and founder of the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria
  • Gerald Wanzer, historic preservationist
  • Adrienne Terrell Washington, historic preservationist

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.