Don’t Miss It! Noah Lyles Returns Home to Be Honored as Alexandria’s Youngest Living Legend
Join the city’s biggest night of the year — tickets on sale now at alexandrialegends.org
ALEXANDRIA — Tickets are going fast for one of Alexandria’s most inspiring annual celebrations. Noah Lyles will make history as the youngest person ever inducted into the prestigious Living Legends of Alexandria.
Lyles, a proud Alexandria City High School graduate (formerly T.C. Williams), returns home to join eleven other distinguished citizens being honored for their extraordinary contributions to the community. The event will take place at the George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, beginning at 6 p.m. Guests are encouraged to arrive by 5:30–5:45 p.m. due to evening traffic.
From Alexandria Titan to World Champion
Noah Lyles’ rise to international fame began on the track fields of Alexandria City High School, where his unmatched drive, speed, and determination first caught local attention. A multi-sport athlete and former gymnast, he developed the strength and discipline that would make him one of the most electrifying sprinters in the world.
After turning professional at just 18 years old, Lyles and his brother Josephus Lyles joined the elite ranks of Adidas-sponsored athletes and quickly made their mark on the global stage. Noah has since become a six-time World Champion, winning Olympic gold in the 100 meters and bronze in the 200 meters at the 2024 Paris Games — earning him the title of “the fastest man in the world.”
But what sets Lyles apart is his authenticity and courage. He has spoken openly about mental-health challenges, the importance of self-belief, and the need to use his platform to inspire others.
During a 2024 homecoming rally at his alma mater, he told WTOP News: “I just hope that as they look at me, they realize that they can do whatever they set their mind to.”
That message resonated across Alexandria — especially for the students standing in the same gym where his journey began.
In October 2022, the City of Alexandria awarded Lyles the Key to the City, honoring not only his athletic achievements but also his leadership and community impact. “I don’t want to be Noah Lyles the athlete,” he said that day. “I want to be Noah Lyles the influencer, the advocate, the community member.”
Giving Back: The Lyles Brothers Sports Foundation
Together with his brother Josephus, Noah co-founded the Lyles Brothers Sports Foundation (lylesfoundation.org), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young people through sports, mental health awareness, anti-bullying programs, and college readiness initiatives.
“Noah is a graduate of our high school, and this is the place he calls his hometown,” said Mary Wadland, President of the Living Legends of Alexandria Board. His worldwide achievements and boundless spirit have made him a global ambassador for Alexandria. The kids at Alexandria City High look up to him and know that anything is possible. He’s giving back to local kids through his foundation — he’s the definition of a Living Legend.”
Meet the 2025 Living Legends of Alexandria
In addition to Noah Lyles, the 2025 Living Legends being honored are:
Mary Lee Anderson, Ana Bonilla-Galdamez, Gerald File, Charlotte Hall, Iburia Hall-Haynes, David Mercer, Robyn Nichols, Patrick O’Brien, Kitty Porterfield, Adrienne Terrell Washington, and Gerald Wanzer.
Together, these twelve honorees represent the very best of Alexandria — a city defined by service, creativity, and community leadership.
“This induction is more than a ceremony — it’s a celebration of possibility for our entire city,” Wadland added, “Noah’s story shows our youth what can happen when you chase your dreams and come back to lift others — and the other Legends being honored this year remind us that there are countless ways to make a lasting difference right here at home. Whether through arts, education, public service, or volunteer leadership, each of our 2025 honorees reflects the spirit of Alexandria at its finest.”
Event Details
Living Legends of Alexandria 2025 Induction Reception
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Program begins at 6 p.m. (Arrive by 5:30–5:45)
George Washington Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria VA
CLICK HERE TO GET TICKETS
