It wasn’t just his blistering speed that Noah Lyles was banking on before the 100-meter Paris Olympics finals. In a race for the ages at Stade de France, Paris, Lyles carved his name into the history books, narrowly edging out Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson in the men’s 100-meter final. How close was it? Well, with both sprinters clocking in at a jaw-dropping 9.79 seconds, Lyles snatched victory by a mere five-thousandths of a second.

But Lyles’ lightning speed isn’t just a product of pure physical prowess; there’s a surprising source of inspiration fueling his performance. Did you know Michael Phelps would visualize his entire race before even touching the water? Or that 24-year-old American gymnast, Jade Carey treats herself to a steak feast the night before she competes! Well, Noah Lyles has his own pre-race rituals too, and let’s just say they’re clearly paying off big time!

Cinematic magic drew Noah Lyles towards the dramatic gold medal!

In the days leading up to the race, Noah Lyles took to social media to share what had really been fueling him before he hit the starting line. Believe it or not, it wasn’t just the usual thoughts of Olympic glory, haters doubting his abilities, or even the drive to be the best that got him going. Lyles revealed that the 2008 movie Speed Racer played a huge part in his mental preparation for the final. After an X user shared their love for the flick, Lyles couldn’t help but chime in, reposting a clip from the movie with the caption, “I have it downloaded to my phone. Watched it before the 100m finals. It’s one of my all-time favorite movies.”

Speed Racer—released on April 26, 2008, and directed by Lana and Lilly Wachowski—might not be the typical go-to for pre-race motivation. With its vibrant visuals and adrenaline-pumping action, it’s an unconventional choice, but Lyles’ revelation shows how athletes often turn to unexpected sources for that extra push! Given Noah Lyles’ well-known love of pop culture and his knack for drawing inspiration from surprising places, Speed Racer makes total sense. The film’s themes of perseverance, speed, and overcoming obstacles probably hit home for Lyles as he geared up for his shot at Olympic glory. And let’s not forget—there’s more to Noah’s pre-race routine that he checks off before that starter pistol goes off!

Lyles’ pre-race preparation to make gold a given

W.H. Auden once said, “Thousands have lived without love, not one without water.” Noah Lyles seems to take that advice to heart—perhaps a bit too seriously. The night before a race, Lyles turns hydration into an art form, loading up on a mix of fluids. “I mix it with a lot of drinks. First, you have your regular water, and then you have your electrolytes to stay hydrated, and then you have your energy drink,” he told FoxNews. He further added, “I always have to make sure that I have a CELSIUS on me right before I’ll get to a multiday race.” But that’s not all!

Lyles also follows another pre-race ritual after he has stepped on the track. Noah Lyles can always be spotted oozing out confidence and endless energy before a race begins. He jumps high before he sets himself on the mark. This even led to controversy as he jumped before the 200-meter final run in the Paris Olympics despite being afflicted with COVID-19. On the flip side, there’s no denying that while those lucky moves are part of his routine, Lyles’ dedication is what really shines through. His epic 2024 season, crowned with gold and bronze that felt like gold in Paris, speaks volumes. What’s your take on his 100-meter finals pre-race motivation? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!