Watch party held in Alexandria at Noah Lyles’ alma mater

ALEXANDRIA, Va. ( DC News Now )  – Hundreds of community members gathered at Alexandria City High School as alumnus Noah Lyles went for his second gold medal of the 2024 games.

Heading into Thursday’s final, Lyles’ supporters were confident he would come out victorious once again.

“I am so excited,” Kareemah Abdullah said. “I can hardly wait until they’re at the starting line and the gun goes off, and he takes down the track.”

Kwame Shakoor was a star track athlete in the 1960s for the Titans. He said he’s proud watching Lyles compete on the big stage knowing they were in the same track program.

“The sky’s the limit for the brother,” Shakoor said, “My hat goes off to him.”

The watch party crowd moved to the auditorium as the race neared, and when the runners got set in their blocks, the crowd went silent. Then, the race began.

Lyles finished third taking home the bronze medal. He did it despite being diagnosed with COVID-19 two days ago, according to his mother. On Thursday, the story was all about hometown excitement.

“Whenever you finish top-3 in the world,” Alexandria City High School sprint coach Kwaku Attoh said. “It’s an amazing accomplishment. The whole Alexandria, Virginia community should be proud of him.”

“I think Alexandria is ecstatic,” track athlete Aja Powell said. “Over the roof right now after seeing that performance of him.”

“I love Noah to death,” Lyles’ former public speaking teacher Leslie A. Jones said. “He was a great student, and if he gets a gold, silver, bronze or anything beneath that is fine by me. He’s an awesome person.”

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