Dubbed the next Usain Bolt, Noah Lyles has taken the track and field world by storm, not just for his blistering speed, but for the electric personality he brings to every starting block. A six-time world champion, Lyles boasts a personal best of 19.31 seconds in the 200 meters, making him the third-fastest man in history over the distance.
His wind-assisted 9.83-second dash in the 100 meters at the 2023 World Championships proved he’s no slouch in the shorter sprint either. But beyond his medal count and record-breaking times, there’s another reason fans have gravitated toward Lyles.
The Many Sides of Noah Lyles
Off the track, Lyles is a man of many passions. While his athletic prowess is undeniable, he’s equally known for his creative ventures. From music and painting to building LEGO sets and curating bold fashion looks, Lyles lives life on his own vibrant terms.
Under the rap alias Nojo18, a name inspired by his anime fandom, he’s released music that reflects his eclectic taste and artistic depth. One of his most memorable performances saw him take the stage alongside Olympic pole vaulter Sandi Morris and the band Baba Shrimps.
His interests go beyond performance art too. In quieter moments, Lyles has spoken about his love for painting and the meditative escape of assembling intricate LEGO builds.
The Anime Enthusiast Behind the Starting Line
Among all his hobbies, it’s Noah Lyles’ love for anime that truly stands out, and it’s more than a casual pastime. In 2019, fans saw a striking example of this passion when he dyed his hair silver for the World Championships in Doha, a direct tribute to Goku’s Ultra Instinct transformation in Dragon Ball Z.
“I’m ready to go. I’m in my highest state,” Lyles told The Washington Post.
In a candid Instagram Live session with Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky, Lyles shares his favorite series.
“My favorite anime is Full Metal Alchemist. There are two versions, Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. I truthfully like both versions for different reasons, but I usually watch Brotherhood more,” he said.
His manga obsession runs just as deep. Cage of Eden, a survival adventure series, holds a special place in Lyles’ heart.
“And then my favorite manga is called Cage of Eden. It was one of the first long mangas I ever read. And I got, like, truly into the world,” he recalled.
The bond between athlete and anime hit another emotional high in March 2024, when Lyles paid tribute to Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama after the legendary manga artist’s passing.
“If you ever wondered why I put my hands together, stretched out in front of me, it’s because Goku did,” Lyles wrote on Instagram.
How Pop Culture Shapes His Style and Persona
In a 2024 appearance on Spotify’s Everybody Wants To Be Us, Lyles proudly declared himself a geek, and made a point to explain the distinction.
“Nerds are more intelligent; I feel like geeks are just more obsessed with a specific cultural thing. So I’m a geek,” he grinned.
It’s an identity Lyles wears with pride. From custom-painted nails and colorful race-day outfits to playful anime references during victory celebrations, his style is as animated as the series he loves.
After a triumphant race in August 2024, Lyles famously struck a kamehameha pose, Dragon Ball’s signature energy attack, while wrapped in the American flag, a viral moment that blended pop culture with podium glory.
A New Blueprint for Sports Stardom
In a sports world where athletes are often boxed into traditional roles, Noah Lyles is rewriting the playbook. His open embrace of anime and pop culture, combined with his elite athletic talent, makes him one of the most relatable and magnetic figures in modern track and field. He resonates with younger audiences, anime fans, and those who admire athletes unafraid to show every side of themselves.
By merging his passions with his profession, Lyles has broadened the definition of what it means to be a sports star in the 21st century.
