Noah Lyles, the sprinting sensation of the track and Yu-Gi-Oh! aficionado, has become an unexpected star at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Track Trials. Sure, he’s breaking records with his lightning-fast 9.92-second 100m sprint, but what’s really catching attention? His pre-race ritual involving Yu-Gi-Oh! cards. Yes, you read that right. The same cards that once ruled playgrounds and lunchrooms are now making appearances at the starting line.
For those not versed in the ways of dueling, Yu-Gi-Oh! is a beloved trading card game and anime series where creatures like the formidable Blue Eyes White Dragon reign supreme with a hefty 3,000 attack power. It’s like the Michael Jordan of the card world, except it’s a dragon. Seto Kaiba would be proud.
But why, oh why, is Noah Lyles brandishing these cards amidst the tension and adrenaline of a major athletic event? Turns out, it’s all part of a friendly wager with fellow athlete Chase Ealey. In exchange for Lyles displaying a different Yu-Gi-Oh! card before each race, Ealey, a self-confessed Naruto fan, has agreed to don Rock Lee’s legendary leg weights during her shot put finals. It’s a cross-sport challenge that’s as entertaining as it is bizarre.
Lyles isn’t just flaunting nostalgia or his extensive card collection; he’s tapping into the power of these mythical creatures for more than just luck. Some say it’s mental preparation, drawing strength from the spirit of the cards. Others see it as a refreshing break from the usual pre-race routines, a chance to celebrate nerd culture on a global stage. In a world where athletes often stick to a script, Lyles is rewriting the playbook with each card flip.
Imagine a future Olympics where Katie Ledecky boasts about catching a rare Pokémon or Simone Biles strategizes her gymnastics routines like a Dungeons & Dragons campaign. Lyles is leading the charge for a new breed of sports stars who embrace their inner geekiness, making the games not just about physical prowess but also about the quirks and passions that make us human.
As the journey to the Olympics continues, all eyes are on Lyles, not just for his speed but for the next card up his sleeve. Will it be Exodia, the Forbidden One, whose combined powers are legendary? Or perhaps something even more unexpected? One thing’s for sure: Lyles has turned the track into a dueling arena, and we’re all here for it. It’s time to d-d-d-duel! (Sorry, couldn’t resist.)
