Even though the Paris Olympics are done and dusted, Noah Lyles‘ iconic photo finish during the 100m finals is unforgettable. But do you remember that one time the 27-year-old rolled up to the U.S. Olympic Trials with Snoop Dogg and a suitcase? Known for his boisterous persona, the sprinter opted for mystique and drama that day. The reveal showcased his Yu-Gi-Oh! cards for the event. While many were taken aback, no one was surprised. 

The Olympian has never shied away from sharing his love for Anime on social media. During the trials, he pulled out the Blue-Eyes White Dragon monster card for his first race. What about his second race? He pulled out Exodia the Forbidden One. The card game made its debut in the Manga by Kazuki Takahashi. However, Japanese readers were so dazzled that Konami decided to publish the card game in 1999. However, because the 27-year-old boasted the cards during the Trials, he received a special gift.

YuGiOh News shared Noah Lyles’ Instagram stories on X, captioned, “As many know, Noah Lyles is a Yu-Gi-Oh! fan, and during the pre-Olympics and the Olympics, Konami acknowledged and shared his victories.” So, what did the legendary video game developer do? ” Today, Noah shared on his story that Konami sent him a variety of gifts, including rare cards, a Dark Magician stainless steel card, shoes, a giant card, and a duel disk.🎁🥇” We’re sure the sprinter must have fanboyed real hard. 

The Olympian’s first instinct was to share the goodies with his fans. In the video, he stated, “I got a knock on the door to deliver something from Konami.” He then revealed the framed Dark Magician card in all its glory. But it gets even better. “This time, they sent an authenticity certificate,” the 27-year-old stated as he held it up to the phone. The sprinter also received another frame of Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards, this one was a set!

However, the Dark Magician card is not just any card. It was launched in 2021, and according to the official website, “These cards are not for everyone.” Most would say the self-certified geek has earned it after the spectacle at the Olympic Trials. It only makes sense, right? However, this didn’t sit well with certain fans. 

The track and field community is not phased by Noah Lyles’ humble brag

The sprinter showed up at Hayward Field with the Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards and many fans were puzzled. But turns out this was a result of a fun bet with world champion shotputter Chase Ealey. If the 27-year-old continued to pull out the cards before his races, she would wear the Naruto-inspired Rock Lee weighted shoes during her finals. Even though the Olympian has constantly shared his love for anime throughout his journey, many were miffed by his Instagram stories.

One fan called him out, “Random Sports F**k Gets Better Prizing Than Actual Competitive Players Of Game Having Attended Zero Locals Or Tourney Matches” While Noah Lyles is the 100m Olympic Champion, we get that he won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. But for most hardcore fans, this feels like he didn’t deserve the gift, so we understand their frustration. According to the official Yu-Gi-Oh! Website, first to fourth place in the Championship series, receives a rare prize card, a Nintendo Switch, World Qualifying points, and a Championship Series Top Cut Game Mat. However, the Champions also receive a Series Trophy. However, compared to what Noah Lyles received, it almost feels like a consolation prize.

Another fan echoed this statement, “Not that he doesn’t deserve this sort of praise and attention for his achievements…but Konami should be shelling these types of rewards for the players that sustain the game by going to tournaments. Rewards like these for someone winning nationals or worlds should be the norm.” Yes, the sprinter did bring more attention to the already infamous game. But is that all it took?

While the first four places receive a surmountable amount of prizes, the fifth to eighth place receive a 24 Booster Pack, Championship Series Top Cut Game Mat, and World Qualifying points. However, for ninth to sixteenth place, they walk away with just World Qualifying Points and the Top Cut Game Mat. This understandably doesn’t seem fair to several fans.

A fan stated, “Oh great your feeding his ego even more Konami” The Olympian has always been outgoing, but many have often perceived him as brash or boisterous. Case in point, another fan agreed, “The annoying track kid 😒” With how often the sprinter has found himself in hot water, this reaction encompasses their indifference. 

Noah Lyles has never shied away from sharing his views or opinions with fans. However, many have never favored him for this reason. Before he clinched the Olympic gold, the sprinter confessed how he was shocked by the lack of support from his countrymen and women. However, we know what happened next. His victory silenced all the naysayers.

One fan exclaimed, “That’s disappointing. Duelist champion of what? Also you can run in the Olympics with covid and get rewarded with the blue eyes white dragon. Peak seto kaiba energy so very on brand” Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? The 27-year-old famously said, “World Champion of what? The United States?” Seems like this fan is using the same trick to clap back at him. 

But who is Seto Kaiba, you ask? Kaiba is widely considered to be an anti-hero in the Yu-Gi-Oh! Universe and is often portrayed as selfish and arrogant. But here’s the kicker! The character is an intellectually gifted computer programmer, inventor, and engineer. He also serves as the CEO of the world’s largest multi-national gaming company, KaibaCorp.

Regardless of what many say, Noah Lyles seemed to be excited about his gifts. But what do you think? Do you agree with the fans?