2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25106503D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 591

Offered February 4, 2025

Commending Noah Lyles.

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Patrons—Lopez, Bennett-Parker, Herring, Hope, Martinez, McQuinn, Obenshain, Ward and Ware; Senators: Ebbin, Cifers, Deeds, Diggs and Salim

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WHEREAS, Noah Lyles of Alexandria represented the Commonwealth at the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad in Paris, France, winning a gold medal for Team USA in the men's 100-meter sprint and a bronze medal in the men's 200-meter sprint; and

WHEREAS, born in Florida, Noah Lyles relocated to the Commonwealth with his mother and siblings at a young age; he originally trained as a gymnast before switching to track and field, and was inspired to one day join Team USA while watching the 2012 Summer Olympics; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from what is now Alexandria City High School, Noah Lyles signed with Adidas in 2016 and became a professional athlete; he has won numerous world championships in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 4x100-meter relay events, as well as a bronze medal in the 200-meter sprint at the 2020 Summer Olympics; and

WHEREAS, at the 2022 World Athletics Championships, Noah Lyles won a gold medal in the 200-meter sprint with a personal best time of 19.31, breaking a longstanding American record and becoming the third-fastest sprinter in the history of the event worldwide; and

WHEREAS, in his second trip to the Olympics, Noah Lyles earned the gold medal in the 100-meter sprint with a stunning photo-finish, recording a personal best time of 9.79 seconds to win by only .005 seconds; and

WHEREAS, a few days later, despite contracting COVID-19, Noah Lyles demonstrated exceptional perseverance and continued to participate in the 200-meter sprint final; and

WHEREAS, thanks to his unparalleled determination, Noah Lyles finished the 200-meter sprint with a time of 19.70 to earn a bronze medal; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Noah Lyles on winning a gold medal and a bronze medal at the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Noah Lyles as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his exceptional athletic achievements and best wishes for the future.