“Inspiration to Millions”: Noah Lyles Pens Heartfelt Note to Childhood Legend Who Inspired His Unorthodox Track Antics

Noah Lyles, the 200m reigning champ, has achieved the impossible at the USATF Indoor Championships when he outclassed Christian Coleman in his forte 60m. This came after the New Balance Grand Prix win. But the highlight is Lyles’ way of celebrating after bagging the victories. Why does he celebrate in such a boisterous way?

Well, he is a Goku fan and the main protagonist of the Dragon Ball metaseries is his spirit character. In a recent Instagram post, Lyles captioned “If you ever wondered why I put my hands together stretched out in front of me it’s because Goku did…...” with a carousel of vibrant images.

Different people have different ways of venting emotions. This is Noah Lyles’ way. After penning two or three more heartfelt lines about how he found solace in the male Saiyan, the last line wrapped it all up. “This is the great effect that the creation of Akira Toriyama has had on my life. You have inspired more than you can ever imagine. RIP to a creator and inspiration to millions!”. 

As the story unfolded, the real reason behind his post came to light. More than the fictional character Goku, Lyles had a special place for its creator, Akira Toriyama. The Japanese manga artist and creator breathed his last a week ago. He was 68 and was suffering from subdural hematoma. But his contribution to art still moves one of the greatest speedsters, Noah Lyles.

Noah Lyles’ love for anime is deep-rooted

At Doha 2019, the 26-year-old donned silver hair, stepping out onto the track and field. When asked about his bold fashion choice, he said that it was a tribute to Goku. Going candid with the Washington Post, the Tokyo Olympics 200m bronze medalist said, “In Dragon Ball Z, Goku’s final stage, or form, is Ultra Instinct. “His hair turns silver/grey. I’m ready to go. I’m ready to make the team. I’m in my highest state.”

Also sharing a huge penchant for music, his love for manga started early when he used to delve into the anime world and stay for hours. “And then my favourite manga is called Cage of Eden. It was one of the first long mangas I ever read”, he conceded. Eyeing the Outdoor Championship glories and the Paris Olympics, he would inarguably put up a spectacle in the French capital, in the Goku way!

READ MORE: Noah Lyles Becomes ‘Passenger Prince’ for Jamaican Girlfriend