After Alexandria City High School failed to detect that he lacked an obligatory Physical Education credit upon his graduation in 2016, Noah Lyles must now pass the missing class in order to complete his high school diploma. Lyles and his family ultimately decided that the best option would be for him to return to ACHS for the 2025-2026 school year.

Although his return may seem like a frustrating interruption to his accelerating running career, Lyles is confident that his training will remain at the same frequency and intensity. “I can’t wait to come back to where it all started,” he said.

ACHS coaches share the same enthusiasm. “We’ll work him right into shape,” said head track coach Pike Huggs. “All I can say is, he won’t be getting any 3rd places in the next Olympics.”

Several track coaches of rival schools filed legal complaints concerning Lyles’ return to highschool sports. However, parents of ACHS scholarship-seeking track athletes were able to find a loophole that entitles Lyles to one more year of high school track.

Still, Addison Anderson, another head track and field coach, made it clear that Lyles won’t be receiving any special treatment. “He’s gonna have to try out just like everyone else,” she said. ACHS track runners are elated. “I’ve always wanted to make it to Nationals!” Tom Jones, a relay runner, exclaimed.

West Potomac High School runners are, however, not so enthused. “You’ve gotta be %$*#*@& kidding me,” said Jack Jackson, realizing the years he’s spent perfecting the 200-meter sprint will be to no avail. “You might as well slap me in the face.”

Lyles has received criticism for his “cocky” demeanor. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Botswana track star Letslie Tebogo described Lyles as “arrogant” and “loud” when he beat him in the 200-meter final. Lyles said it will be like “a breath of fresh air” to be back at AC, where trash talk is not only acceptable, but encouraged.

The ACHS community is also excited for Lyles’ possible contributions to the school beyond the running track. Administrators say they hope to utilize his speed for quickly stopping fights when they break out around the school, zooming around campus to enforce hall sweeps and catching vapers when the bathroom smoke alarm clamors.

They’re even considering having Lyles do the morning announcements to encourage students to get to class on time, pick up their trash and be respectful to staff. “It’s not like they listen to us,” said principal Alejandro Pumpkin.

Avid hallway tiktokers are especially excited for Lyles’ return, saying they can’t wait to use the trackstar for “clout.”

Administrators are, however, worried that there won’t be room for Lyles on the already crowded shuttle buses between the Minnie Howard and King St. campuses. Instead, they’re open to revising the walking ban to allow for Lyles to run between campuses, admitting that “he would probably get there faster anyway.”