As a seasoned gamer and sports enthusiast who’s been around the block more than once, I must say that the convergence of geekdom and athleticism is truly a beautiful sight to behold. The stereotype of the “nerd versus jock” has long since become obsolete, and it’s heartening to see athletes like Noah Lyles proudly embracing their passions for both sports and geek culture.
The old division between “nerds” and “jocks” is more of a stereotype than reality today. Many individuals who enjoy video games and comics are also sports enthusiasts, while sports aficionados can be found among those who delve into geeky pursuits as well. Even some top-tier athletes, like Noah Lyles, the world’s fastest man, have a passion for “Yu-Gi-Oh,” demonstrating that these two groups share more common ground than previously thought.
If you’ve been tuning into the remarkable broadcast of the 2024 Olympics by NBC and their family of networks, you might have come across the renowned 27-year-old sprinter, Lyles. Alongside other prominent American athletes like Sha’Carri Richardson in sprints, Simone Biles in gymnastics, and Katie Ledecky in swimming, Lyles is a star of the Paris games. It’s widely believed that he’s the top contender to secure Gold in the men’s 100-meter dash. He’ll make his debut during the preliminary heats on Saturday, and if he qualifies, he’ll compete again in the final on Sunday. Additionally, Lyles will participate in the 200-meter dash and the 4×100-meter relay. (You can find the full track & field schedule here.)
2024 Olympic Games Track and Field Events: Broadcast Information and Detailed Schedule
Team USA Track & Field Star Noah Lyles Is the Biggest Geek at the Olympics
In the realm of track and field, Lyles is currently the undisputed world champion in both the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes, having claimed gold medals in these events at the 2023 championships. His athletic prowess is undeniable. Yet, it’s equally evident that he has a passion for all things nerdy. During the U.S. Olympic Trials, which took place last month, Lyles made quite an unusual spectacle when he brought Yu-Gi-Oh! trading cards to the track. During the preliminary rounds of the 100-meter dash, Lyles whipped out a card from his shirt, showing it off to the cameras before slipping it back in and clinching the race. The card was none other than the Blue-Eyes White Dragon, a highly revered card among fans for its power and significance in the Yu-Gi-Oh! manga and anime series.
During the trials, Lyles was frequently seen carrying a briefcase whose contents were unknown. However, it wasn’t until Snoop Dogg, the former rapper turned Olympic commentator who was present at the U.S. Trials, revealed that Lyles had a full set of Yu-Gi-Oh cards in there. Specifically, he had all five parts of Exodia the Forbidden One, a rare collection of cards that guarantee victory if held together. He even carried the Head of Exodia with him to the starting line before winning the 100-meter final, securing his spot for Paris and earning the title of national champion.
It’s not just Lyles who is a big fan of anime; numerous athletes have shown their love for it during competitions. For instance, at the postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympics held in 2021 due to the pandemic, several athletes paid homage to the manga and anime “One Piece” while competing. Similarly, at the 2022 Winter Olympics, many athletes expressed their fondness for superheroes as well.
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2024-08-03 03:01