Noah Lyles: The world's fastest man with a passion for anime and gaming

American sprinter Noah Lyles, who recently won gold in the 100m event at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is making headlines not just for his speed but for his unique interests in anime and gaming. Lyles, 26, has been embracing his nerdy side throughout his career, challenging stereotypes about what it means to be an elite athlete.

After his victory in Paris, Lyles celebrated with a Kamehameha gesture from Dragon Ball Z, showcasing his love for the anime. This isn’t the first time he has displayed his interests; in the 2019 World Championships, he sported silver hair dye as a tribute to Goku, a character from the same series. "I wanted to show that athletes can be multidimensional," Lyles explained.

Lyles's interests extend beyond anime. In 2023, he revealed his customized PC gaming setup for playing League of Legends, featuring color-coordinated gear. Additionally, during the American Olympic trials, he displayed Yu-Gi-Oh cards and a Duel Disk, going viral for drawing a Blue Eyes White Dragon card before a heat and Exodia the Forbidden One before the semi-final. He posed with Exodia after winning the 100m event, highlighting his playful nature.

Lyles also engages with other gaming communities. He and fellow athlete Chase Ealey made a bet involving anime-inspired gear, further emphasizing his deep-rooted passion for these interests. NBC even reimagined Lyles on a Yu-Gi-Oh card to celebrate his Olympic gold achievement.

Beyond his athletic and gaming pursuits, Lyles is dedicated to philanthropy. He founded the Lyles Foundation, which aims to empower youth through health and wellness initiatives. "Let's bring our abilities and passions together to affect real change," the foundation’s mission states.