Noah Lyles and Olympian Girlfriend to Celebrate Anniversary Post-Paris Games

SAINT-DENIS, France — Noah Lyles is living an extraordinary moment in his life right now. He celebrated his 27th birthday on July 18, and less than three weeks later, he was crowned an Olympic champion for the first time in his career. Lyles might be headed home with another gold medal from his signature event – the 200 meters.

“It’s my favorite race because it shows all my abilities. I’ve spent years working on the 100, but the 200 is where it’s at,” Lyles said. “This is where I get to show my speed, endurance, my top-end speed, and that I’m stronger than everybody else.”

Lyles finished second in his semifinal heat in the 200 meters, running a 20.08 to advance to Thursday’s final. As the prohibitive favorite, Lyles has a chance to make history with a gold medal. The 27-year-old could become the first American male to win the Olympic sprint double (gold in both the 100 and 200 meters) since Carl Lewis at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Additionally, Lyles could win another gold medal as part of the men’s 4×100-meter relay squad, matching Lewis’s achievements at the 1984 Games.

Lyles’s performances at Stade de France have inspired some of his Team USA teammates.

“Noah (Lyles) has worked very, very hard over the last few years. Watching his races inspired me,” said Gabby Thomas, the women’s 200-meter Olympic gold medalist. “Watching him, I thought, ‘Wow, you know what? He can win from anywhere, so can I. Let’s go do this.’ It’s great.”

This summer hasn’t just been notable for Lyles on the track. Monday marks the two-year anniversary with his girlfriend, Jamaican sprinter Junelle Bromfield. Bromfield made it to the semifinals in the women’s 400 meters but didn’t advance to the final.

The couple hasn’t formally celebrated their anniversary yet, as they are quite busy at the moment. However, Lyles, the fastest man in the world, has “big plans” once he officially crosses the finish line at what has already been a memorable Paris Olympics.

“It’s our two-year anniversary,” Lyles said. “I have pretty big plans for a celebration. I’m trying to give her a little more time. Last year, we went on a Noah Lyles campaign, which cut into our vacation time. So, I’m trying to be a better boyfriend and give us more time to be a couple.”

Source: USA TODAY