Relaxed Noah Lyles keeps fans guessing at U.S. Trials on fashion, walk-out and 'Yu-Gi-Oh!' cards: 'Now it's just having fun'
Noah Lyles is keeping fans guessing at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - track & field.
No, there's no question about his speed: The reigning world champion in both the 100 and 200m claimed the 100m title on Sunday (23 June) and was the fastest in the men's opening round heats of the 200m on Thursday (27 June).
Instead, it's his love for Yu-Gi-Oh! cards that has onlookers wondering what cards he'll run with next as he looks to book a second spot at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in the 200m.
"I pulled out Exodia [card] for the finals of the 100m, but now it's time to build the whole thing," Lyles said on U.S. broadcaster NBC. "I got the left and right arms [today] and I've got the legs coming tomorrow."
Yu-Gi-Oh! is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Takahashi Kazuki, which began airing in the mid-1990s. It popularised a spin-off card game, which - at times - has been called the most popular of its kind in the entire world. Some estimates say 35+ billion cards have been sold in the last quarter century.
Lyles has been open for about his love of all things creative since the outset of his career. He said in 2021 his favourite anime was Full Metal Alchemist and his favourite manga was Cage of Eden.
He's dabbled in music as a recording artist, filmed his own docuseries, loves fashion, art and - now you know! - Yu-Gi-Oh! cards.
The American sprint star has not shied away from having his fair share of fun at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, this past week, including walking into the venue with rapper Snoop Dogg - both men dressed to the nines - and opening a suitcase that revealed not only Lyles' raceday kit for the 100m, but also... you guessed it: His Yu-Gi-Oh! card for the race.
Lyles has arrived to the venue in full suits, worn different kits for each race day, run out to the track and roared at an erupting crowd, and then revealed his card to the TV camera before tucking it away in his tracksuit and settling into his blocks.
So, what next?