'I Have Gotten Hotel Upgrades' - How Noah Lyles' Quirky Rituals Are Redefining Track and Field

Noah Lyles has revealed how his quirky pre-race rituals, like pulling a Yu-Gi-Oh! card from his singlet have brought him unexpected advantages on the track.

The four-time world 200m champion has long been known for eye-catching antics that capture fans’ attention even before the starting gun fires.

By blending elite performance with personal passions, from fashion and anime to music, Lyles is intentionally making the sport more accessible and engaging.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

The reigning Olympic 100m champion’s authenticity not only sets him apart but also gives potential new fans a compelling reason to tune in.

"I’ve gotten hotel upgrades because of that. That’s for pulling out the ‘Blue-Eyes White Dragon’ and not because I’m a living champion," Noah Lyles said in an interview with WWD115.

"I have music, I have anime, I have fashion. They resonate with someone. My brother and his fiancée said they were at church yesterday, and someone said, ‘Oh, I love Junelle and Noah. They’re the reason I started watching track and field.’"

The road back to peak form this year was challenging. A persistent tendon issue delayed his training, and he didn't start his season until July, just two months before the World Championships.

During this difficult period, Noah Lyles focused on his mental and spiritual well-being. "I was in a better position mentally and physically, and I was able to quickly adapt," he explained.

"A younger Noah would have definitely found himself in more of a, ‘Whoa, what is this situation? Why is this happening?'"

Noah Lyles has been open about his struggles with anxiety and depression, particularly during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

He now believes that the pressure from numerous sponsorship commitments contributed to his feeling overwhelmed. With maturity, his perspective has shifted.

Given the compressed preparation time this year, neither Noah Lyles nor his coach, Lance Brauman, is dwelling on his 100m bronze medal finish behind Jamaican rivals Oblique Seville and Kishane Thompson.

"We’re both very pleased," Lance Brauman noted, "considering those guys are running fast enough that you have to be 100 per cent."

Through a combination of authenticity, personal expression, and resilience, Noah Lyles continues to redefine what it means to be a modern track star.

By embracing his passions and openly sharing his struggles, Noah Lyles not only connects with fans on a deeper level but also demonstrates that success on the track goes hand in hand with mental, emotional, and spiritual balance.