Noah Lyles kept his word on ‘nerdy’ bet before bagging gold medal at Paris Olympics

Noah Lyles revealed the story behind his Yu-Gi-Oh anime card making appearances at the Paris Olympics, which was actually a dare.

Noah Lyles kept his word on ‘nerdy’ bet before bagging gold medal at Paris Olympics

Noah Lyles at the Paris Olympics (image via Time)

Noah Lyles recently disclosed his secret bet behind his ritualistic Yu-Gi-Oh card making an appearance at the Paris Olympics. The 27-year-old pulled out the Yu-Gi-Oh trump cards during the US Olympic track and field trials in June, and again at the Olympics, right before he bagged the gold.

Noah Lyles finally opened up about the backstory behind his nerdy ritual on a recent episode of “Everybody Wants To Be Us” podcast. Speaking with Ben Gallaga, Lyles revealed that it was originally a dare given to him by American short put thrower Chase Jackson. Apparently, she had asked the Florida sprinter to show off his Exodia card before his race.

It was actually a dare. I was doing a podcast with Chase Ealey, two-time World Champion in Shot Put and we are both anime fans and she was like 'Yeah you got to pull out Exodia before you run' and I'm like what? I was like if I manage to pull out Exodia then you have to do the Rock Lee weight drop, and she did.
Noah Lyles explained in the ‘Everybody Wants To Be Us‘ podcast

As per the bet, Jackson ended up doing the Rock Lee weight drop. Noah Lyles further stated that he always honored his bets and dares. One thing led to another, and the athlete ended up with a duel disk that he walked around with.

Noah Lyles has been a fan of anime for a while now. The sprinter has never been secretive about his love for the manga series. Lyles has often mimicked and posed anime character’s signature moves on the track field. Despite all the fun and games, he has never compromised on his performance, rather proved that both can go hand in hand.

Noah Lyles shares perks of being a nerd

Noah Lyles’ Paris Olympic campaign was one of his most successful as well as difficult ones. Throughout the campaign, his anime cards were a constant presence. He first revealed the Blue Eyes Dragon Card from the Yu-Gi-Oh series. Then he brought his Exodia card in the semi-finals.

The appearances came with its own perks. Noah Lyles shared on his X account how he received an upgraded room at the luxurious five-star stay at St. Regis. He explained it was courtesy of his Yu-Gi-Oh card.

He concluded his tweet by telling people to not hesitate from being nerds. The 27-year-old is known much for his passion for the series besides his track and field achievements and extroverted personality.

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