Photo credit: dotesports.com
If you’ve recently entered the realm of competitive track and field, particularly with the Olympics on the horizon, you may recognize Noah Lyles as the brash sprinter who clinched the gold in the men’s 100-meter race. However, there’s more to him than just speed; he embraces a vibrant nerdy side, a fact that adds a distinct flavor to his public persona.
When he’s not stirring up excitement on social media platforms, often engaging with NBA players and their fans, Lyles is busy training, racing, or indulging in his passions outside of athletics. This duality has become increasingly evident as he weaves video game and anime elements into his racing life.
As one of the standout athletes in the current gaming culture, let’s take a deeper look at Lyles’ dedicated nerd credentials.
Channeling His Inner Super Saiyan
Following his Olympic victory in the 100 meters, Lyles celebrated with a dramatic Kamehameha gesture while draped in the American flag, an action that resonated with fans, particularly in Japan, where he quickly gained followers. This public display signals just how entrenched his love for the anime Dragon Ball is; Lyles has consistently referenced it throughout his career.
During the 2019 World Championships in Doha, he sported a striking silver hairstyle to pay homage to Goku’s iconic transformations. Even before stepping into the starting blocks, Lyles would channel his energy through a Spirit Bomb-inspired gesture, an uplifting ritual before each race.
Interestingly, this homage to Saiyan power proved effective, as Lyles went on to win that championship—his first of three world titles in the 200 meters, which remains his signature event.
Yu-Gi-Oh! – A Unique Ritual
Recently, Lyles expanded his anime and gaming repertoire by incorporating elements from Yu-Gi-Oh!. At the U.S. Olympic Trials for the upcoming 2024 Games, he embraced this theme in full force, attracting attention on social media as he showcased various cards, including the legendary Blue-Eyes White Dragon and Exodia, which he kept concealed in his racing apparel.
Lyles didn’t stop there; he made headlines by arriving at the trials equipped with a full duel disk, which only amplified his connection to the iconic card game.
Noah Lyles showcased his passion for Yu-Gi-Oh! by appearing at the Olympic Track Trials with a duel disk and full sets of the game’s most revered characters pic.twitter.com/jDxcZHRHZH — Dexerto (@Dexerto) June 30, 2024
An Interest in Magic: The Gathering
If you thought the card game references ended there, Lyles has also expressed his appreciation for Magic: The Gathering. Although he hasn’t brought this particular card game to the track, he demonstrates a clear awareness and enthusiasm for this beloved deck-building game, which has inspired numerous similar titles over the years.
During the U.S. Olympic Trials, Lyles was spotted casually discussing Magic with fellow athlete Joseph Fahnbulleh while another competitor, American long jumper Tara Davis Woodhall, was in the background. This interaction highlights the camaraderie often found among athletes who share niche interests even in high-pressure environments.
Gaming Beyond Track and Field
For those wondering about his gaming skills, Lyles is also a fan of League of Legends. He has set up a dedicated gaming rig at home, complete with a large Legend of Zelda mousepad. While his exact rank in the game is unclear, he has taken the opportunity during the Olympics to connect with fellow Olympians engaging in gaming.
For instance, Spanish canoeist and 2024 bronze medalist Pau Echaniz shared, “I won’t get in a canoe until I reach gold,” to which Lyles expressed agreement, recognizing the parallels between the dedication required in both sports and gaming.
“This about to be me after the 4X100,” Lyles quipped on social media, alluding to the relentless grind for gold medals, akin to pushing through levels in League. Balancing training and gaming demands strategic time management for these Olympians.
Source
dotesports.com