Triple world champion Noah Lyles and his girlfriend Junelle Bromfield are no strangers to the spotlight.
However, with fame comes criticism, and the Jamaican sprinter recently opened up about the barrage of cyberbullying she endured before and after the Paris Olympics.
In an emotional interview on Simone Clarke-Cooper’s podcast Bromfield bared her heart, recounting the toll of hate messages and the strength it took to rise above the negativity.
Bromfield, who was part of Jamaica’s bronze medal-winning 4x400m relay team at the Tokyo Olympics, revealed that therapy and support from loved ones helped her navigate through the darkest moments.
Noah Lyles' girlfriend Junelle Bromfield stated she is not seeking forgiveness from Jamaican fans despite backlash over sharing insider information about the MVP track club with her boyfriend, explaining that those who attacked her family in her DMs should seek forgiveness instead.
Among those staunch supporters was none other than her boyfriend, Noah Lyles, and his mother, Keisha Caine Bishop, both of whom sent her heartfelt video messages during the show.
«I’m just here to probably vocalize some of the ways that I feel that you’ve shown your resilience and shown your strength and it’s hard at times I know, but you know, you’re a game changer—you might not want to be, but that’s what you are,» Lyles said in his emotional tribute to Bromfield, praising her tenacity.
The Olympic champion’s words, delivered with raw sincerity, showcased the depth of their relationship, built on mutual respect and support.
Mary Moraa opened up about her close friendship with Sha’Carri Richardson, which began in 2022 and has grown as they continue to support each other in competitions like the Diamond League Meetings.
Bromfield’s journey has not been easy as after failing to advance past the semifinals in the women’s 400m event at the Paris Olympics and placing fifth with her team in the mixed 4x400m relay, she became the target of relentless online abuse.
Reflecting on the challenges she faced, Bromfield shared, «Honestly, I would say, I’m not looking for forgiveness especially from the people who came in my DM, talking about my family, talking about my mom. Those are the people asking for forgiveness and I’m like how are you going to forgive somebody who did not do anything wrong.»
Through it all, Lyles has been a source of unwavering support, reminding Bromfield of her strength and resilience.
In his message, he acknowledged how difficult it is for her, yet admired her ability to bounce back: «Now everything that God has put in your life has been one step forward to moving, to inspiring the next generation, and I know it’s uncomfortable, but he prepared you for this moment, and I’ve seen the way that you fought through.»
Three-time Olympic champion Gail Devers defended Sha'Carri Richardson's performance at the Paris Olympics, emphasising her resilience and predicting the US will reclaim gold at the LA 2028 Games, possibly with Richardson.
Lyles’ admiration for his girlfriend shines through not only in his words but also in his actions.
Recently, the couple visited his hometown of Alexandria, where Lyles was honored with a hero’s welcome.
Throughout this time, Bromfield has been staying with Lyles and his family in the United States, a reflection of the deep bond the pair share as they navigate the highs and lows of their respective athletic careers.
Bromfield also shed light on the financial struggles that many track and field athletes face, highlighting the reality that success on the track doesn’t always translate into financial security.
«I feel as if even now, not feel as if, I know even now like me and my family is at odds with that because I feel as if there’s just so much you can do, and when people see you at a certain level they expect that you can do the same for them, but that’s not the case because track and field is not a sport that basically pays a million.»