Olympic champion Noah Lyles brightens spirits with children's hospital visit in Washington

Noah Lyles warms hearts in a Washington D.C hospital with surprise visit.

Fresh off his gold and bronze medal triumphs in Paris, the world’s fastest man, Noah Lyles, took a meaningful detour on Monday, visiting the Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. 

Known for his explosive speed on the track, Lyles slowed things down for a heartwarming visit with young patients, giving them an unforgettable experience.

The Olympic gold medalist turned a routine day at the hospital into a special one, answering questions from patients who became DJs for the day, broadcasting a radio show throughout the hospital. Lyles, who once battled asthma as a child, connected with the children on a personal level. 

"I feel very honored to be able to come back and have everybody be so happy," he told NBC Washington, visibly moved by the enthusiasm of the young patients.

During the lively Q&A, Lyles revealed his lighter side, chatting about everything from his favorite ice cream and movies to his love for anime and quirky animal facts. But beyond the fun, the sprinter made sure to share a deeper message, drawing from his own experience with childhood illness.

“I remember when I was in this position, and it can feel like there is no other side,” Lyles reflected. “It just feels like this is going to be your life, especially when you’re so young. So I wanted to make sure they understood that it’s not always going to be bad. There’s going to be plenty of joyful things to happen in life.”

No visit would be complete without some light-hearted moments. Lyles took part in games with the children, signed autographs, and left every room he visited brimming with smiles. For the kids and their families, meeting the sprinting sensation was nothing short of inspirational.

Jordan Torres, a patient at the hospital, summed up the experience: "It's very inspirational, especially hearing about his experience at the Olympics and everything leading up to here."

For Leo Hare, who had been in the hospital since Wednesday, the visit from Lyles was a welcome break. "It means a lot because he’s able to get out of the room, come down here and take a mental break,” said Leo’s father, Joshua Hare.

The visit also resonated with Lyles’ own family. His mother, Keisha Cane Bishop, shared the emotional connection they felt to the parents in the hospital.

“We know what it’s like to be in the hospital. We know what it’s like to be stuck in the emergency room, and you feel like everybody forgot about you because your kid is sick,” she said. “We can encourage other people that it’s not always going to be this hard.”

Lyles, who has had a whirlwind schedule since his Olympic victories, squeezed this visit into a packed itinerary. From attending NFL games to making appearances at the U.S. Open and walking the runway at New York Fashion Week, his post-Olympic life has been buzzing. 

But giving back remains a priority for the track star. Over the weekend, his family foundation held a winter coat drive in his hometown of Alexandria.

Before returning to the track for his next phase of training, Lyles is headed to the U.K. for a bit of relaxation. His visit to Children’s National Hospital, however, was a powerful reminder that, just like his sprints, Lyles knows how to make every moment count—on and off the track.