U.S. sprinter Noah Lyles has stepped up in defense of his girlfriend, Jamaican athlete Junelle Bromfield, who has recently come under fire from fans in her home country following her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Once considered a top contender for a medal, Bromfield’s disappointing finish led to a barrage of criticism from Jamaican fans, who expressed their dissatisfaction across social media platforms.
In the wake of this backlash, Lyles took to X (formerly Twitter) to publicly show his unwavering support for Bromfield. He expressed deep admiration for her strength and resilience, highlighting her impressive career accomplishments and the adversity she has overcome. “I just want to say how incredibly proud I am of my GF and give her the flowers she deserves now 💐,” Lyles wrote. “She has been through so much in her life that I could never imagine fighting through. Beyond that, she is a survivor, 2x Olympian, Olympic medalist, multi-world championship medalist, and has been representing Jamaica on the world stage since she was 8 years old.”
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Bromfield, who has been a staple in Jamaican athletics, faced an especially harsh wave of criticism after failing to qualify for the women’s 400m final at the Olympics. Some fans, disillusioned by her performance, even went as far as labeling her a “traitor,” adding to the intense scrutiny she was already under. The criticism only grew more pointed after Lyles narrowly defeated Jamaican sprinter Kishane Thompson in the men’s 100m final, winning the gold by just five-thousandths of a second. Thompson’s loss, combined with Bromfield’s earlier performance, seemed to fuel the fans’ frustrations.
Despite the negativity, Lyles remained steadfast in his support, emphasizing Bromfield’s resilience and her ability to rise above the criticism. “This woman has been attacked by people who have never met her, heard her name before, never seen her smile, or heard what she believes in. But she keeps moving forward knowing that God will always make a way. That’s why God keeps blessing her!” Lyles stated, underscoring his belief in her strength and perseverance.
Lyles’ defense of Bromfield has resonated with many, prompting a wave of support from fellow athletes and fans who appreciate her contributions to Jamaican athletics. As Bromfield looks ahead to future competitions, Lyles’ words serve as a reminder of the challenges athletes face, both on and off the field, and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the criticism, Bromfield remains focused on her goals, determined to continue representing Jamaica on the world stage.