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As promised, American sprinter Noah Lyles won gold in the men’s 100m race at the Stade de France on Sunday with a stunning performance. He finally became one of the world’s fastest runners after reaching the finish line in 9.784 seconds and put the US on top of the sprinting field for the first time in decades.
Lyles is now the first American man to win the 100m gold, after Brooklyn-born Justin Gatlin won the title in 2004. However, the undoubtedly world-class “jock”, as he is called in common high school movies, is also a “lovable” nerd. He has repeatedly claimed his status, proving his worth as a certified – and certainly the most famous – anime fan.
His victory in the 100 meter race has also earned him the title of the fastest anime fan, which has also been acknowledged by the Japanese media.
Following his breathtaking narrow win, which saw Lyles finish just 0.005 seconds ahead of Jamaica’s Kishan Thompson, the American sports star took his celebrations to the next level by doing the classic Dragon Ball fan move with an American flag wrapped around him. Mimicking the signature “Kamehameha” attack from the cult-classic manga and anime franchise Dragon Ball, the 27-year-old made his love for Japanese pop culture public.
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American runner Noah Lyles didn’t compromise his love for anime for professional performance
This wasn’t the first time he posed for the Ultimate Energy Attack. Liles has previously professed his love for his unique shonen franchise on social media. Posting on Instagram in March, he paid an emotional tribute to the late mangaka and Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama, who died on March 1 after suffering a blood clot in the brain. Liles, who has apparently made it a common practice to drop references to his favorite anime titles during pre and post-race routines, shared a similar game-winning shot of himself, with an energy blast edited into the picture, which also gives a glimpse of his silver-dyed hair.
“In Dragon Ball Z, Goku’s final stage or form is Ultra Instinct. His hair turns silver/grey,” he told The Washington Post ahead of his first appearance at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in 2019. “I’m ready to go. I’m ready to make the team. I’m at my peak state.”
He also added several of his other photos recreating the mysterious poses of Goku, the anime’s main protagonist, and a portrait of Akira to the aforementioned carousel post.
Lyles’ caption read: “If you ever wondered why I spread my arms out in front of me, it’s because Goku did it.
If you’ve ever wondered why I yell before a big race it’s because Goku used to do it.
If you’ve ever wondered why I dye my hair different colors it’s because Goku did it.
If you’ve ever wondered why I raise my hands to the sky before my greatest races, it’s because Goku did it.
That is the greatest impact Akira Toriyama’s creation has had on my life. You have inspired me more than you could ever imagine. Rest in peace to a creator who inspires millions!”
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In addition to the post-game celebration, Lyles showed off his Yu Gi Oh! cards before his race during the U.S. Olympic Trials in June. His new tradition arose from a bet he had with world champion shotputter Chase Eli, who shared his love for anime with Lyles. In exchange for Lyles showing off his Yu Gi Oh! cards in front of the camera before the race, Eli promised to wear Naruto-inspired Rock Lee leg weights during his finals.
Despite their cheeky nerding-out sessions, both Lyles and Eli’s Olympic standard performances stand as proof of the notion that being a professional doesn’t always entail holding a monochrome, strict visage. Sometimes, work and play go hand in hand, and Lyles declared that he will put on a serious performance at the Paris Games without compromising his fun side.
“If you need somebody to keep you entertained at this Olympics … I’m here. And I can promise you, if you’re watching me, you’re not going to be bored,” he told Time in May.
The Japanese media is apparently keeping an eye on the American Olympic surprise, as sports newspaper Daily Sports (and other outlets) proudly called Lyles “mankind’s fastest otaku” in the headline of an article.
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