Anime fans are always passionate about their favorite shows. While the popular Japanese animation undeniably offers its own thrills, it can even leave professional speedmongers in awe at times. However, it’s probably not too surprising that fans of these two exhilarating worlds find common ground. And who better to highlight the similarities between the racetrack and anime than the newly crowned Olympic gold medalist, Noah Lyles?

Lyles’ love for anime and manga is nothing new. However, after the sprinter pulled out an Exodia card at the US Olympic Team Trials in Eugene, fans have become even more curious about the extent of his passion. Now, it seems the Gainesville resident is ready to satisfy their curiosity.

Noah Lyles shares something common with many people from around the world

In a recent Spotify podcast episode of Everybody Wants To Be Us, Lyles talked about how he enjoys fantasy fiction like a true connoisseur of the art form. Talking about how he doesn’t like to restrict himself only to the confines of the tracks, Lyles couldn’t help but bring up the topic of anime and beyond. “I feel like I bridge a lot of gaps when it comes to music, when it comes to fashion, when it comes to being quirky,” said Lyles about his passion for things apart from running on international stages.

Along with that, he had an honest confession to make. “I’m a geek,” admitted the Fastest Man in The World, fresh from his recent Olympic triumphs, and allowing himself a few moments of break before getting back into action. “…nerds and geeks are different. Nerds are more intelligent, I feel like geeks are just more obsessed on a specific cultural thing. So I’m a geek,” Noah had to shed light on why he sees himself as part of the latter group of people.

But it’s not just anime that tickles his fancy. “When it comes to anime, pop culture, Marvel, DC, superheroes, Legos, I have an interest in almost everything out there,” stated Lyles candidly. Evidently, he’s not up for parting ways with his inner kid right now. But this isn’t the first time that Noah got all peppy talking about his love for these things.

The track star finds recluse in anime

In 2021, Lyles revealed that the popular anime series Full Metal Alchemist is his favorite show, with Cage of Eden being his favorite manga. His love for Yu Gi Oh! cards aren’t a secret by now either. At the Team Trials, the 27-year-old was seen being handed a suitcase by legendary rapper Snoop Dogg, which contained the former’s race-day kit along with the Exodia card that he Lyles showed off to the camera just before the men’s 100m race in Oregon.

He also didn’t forget to make sure the cards he pulled out went with his enigmatic personality. The Blue-Eyes White Dragon card he kept inside his tracksuit reads, “This legendary dragon is a powerful engine of destruction. Virtually invincible, very few have faced this awesome creature and lived to tell the tale,” making it appropriate for the burst of energy that Lyles brings to the sport.

The card game that literally translates to “King of Games” in English has earned Noah several benefits from fans who share his love for Yu Gi Oh! An employee at the St. Regis hotel was so impressed after learning of Lyles’ enthusiasm for the anime of the same name, that it even earned the runner a royal treatment during his stay there. Are you also a fan of the iconic game and show? What would you like to talk to Noah about them? Share with us too, with a comment!