Unapologetic Noah Lyles explains reason behind his polarazing pre-race antics

World and Olympic champion Noah Lyles

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World and Olympic champion Noah Lyles shares his love for E-sports and reveals his favorite team.

Unapologetic Noah Lyles explains reason behind his polarazing pre-race antics

Stephen Awino 16:35 - 01.01.2025

Olympic champion Noah Lyles' pre-race antics have long attracted admiration and criticism but the spinter remains unapologetic.

Olympic champion Noah Lyles has long been a polarising figure on and off the track. Known for his electric performances and flamboyant pre-race antics, the sprinter continues to spark conversation in the sports world.

Lyles recently opened up about the inspiration behind his unique approach to life and competition, shedding light on what motivates him to embrace fun and individuality.

Lyles’ penchant for showcasing his love for popular culture, particularly Japanese animation, has often been on full display.

From his pre-race gestures inspired by iconic anime characters like Goku from Japanese animation Dragon Ball to flashing his collection of Yu-Gi-Oh! cards, the sprinter has made it clear that his personality is as vibrant as his athleticism.

These moments have drawn both admiration and criticism, with some seeing them as playful expressions of personality and others questioning their appropriateness in a professional setting.

Speaking on the Beyond the Records podcast, Lyles delved into the philosophy behind his exuberant behavior.

“We’re all just people, you know? We like to enjoy time with each other, and we all love playing video games,” he shared.

“I can’t even count how many times I’ve sat on couches and played video games with some famous guys’ kids. It’s like, wow, we’re just all here to hang out, you know?”

The Olympic gold medalist emphasized the importance of fun as a guiding principle in his life. “At the end of the day, we just like to do fun things,” he said.

Lyles’ passion for joy and playfulness stems from his childhood, as he revealed, “I was a huge Peter Pan fan when I was a kid. I never wanted to grow up. Honestly, I still don’t like the idea of growing up. All I want to do is just have fun.”

The sprinter's vibrant personality was particularly evident during the Paris Olympics, where he captivated audiences not just with his athletic prowess but also with his anime-inspired tributes.

His Goku-like gestures and proud display of his Yu-Gi-Oh! cards added an extra layer of entertainment to the global sporting event.

While his unconventional approach may not appeal to everyone, Lyles remains unapologetic. For him, the track is more than just a place to compete, it’s a stage to share his authentic self with the world.