American track star Noah Lyles has pulled out all the stops ahead of the Paris Olympics later this month, brandishing Yu Gi Oh! cards on the blocks of every race he started at the US track and field trials in Oregon. The “fastest man alive” and reigning world champion is the hot favourite to take out the 100m and 200m at the Games, after claiming Bronze in the Men’s 200m in 2020. While his speed appears unrivalled among the current crop of competitors, it’s his nostalgic passion for the Manga series that’s caught the eye of fans and broadcasters.
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion. Prior to blitzing the field in the 100m, the 26-year-old twirled a revered Blue Eyes White Dragon card on the blocks as he waved it in front of the camera and poked out his tongue. Revealing the method behind his madness in a post-run interview, Lyles said the shenanigans involved a bet with a world champion shot putter.
“Me and Chase Ealy have a bet going on, she said If I pull out a Yu Gi Oh! card each round, she’ll wear the Rocky weighted shoes and drop weights during her finals. “So I gotta’ live up to my part of the deal so she lives up to her part of the deal.” He followed up the 100m with a new set of cards for his other favoured event.
“I pulled out Exodia (card) for the finals of the 100m, but now it’s time to build the whole thing,” he said post-run. “I got the left and right arms (today) and I’ve got the legs.