American sprinter Noah Lyles has captured hearts around the world not just with his blistering speed, but also with his unabashed love for anime. The 27-year-old, who clinched gold in a race so close it was decided by just five thousandths of a second, celebrated his victory in a unique and memorable fashion, earning him the affectionate moniker of “the world’s fastest anime fan.”
The final, one of the closest in recent history, saw Lyles edge out Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson in a photo finish. As he crossed the line, Lyles was engulfed in jubilation, wrapping himself in the US flag. But it was his celebratory gesture that truly stole the show. With a gleeful expression, Lyles mimed the iconic “kamehameha” attack from the legendary anime “Dragon Ball,” a series that has been a significant part of his life.
The “kamehameha” is a powerful energy wave used by characters in “Dragon Ball” and has become a cultural touchstone among anime fans. By incorporating this gesture into his post-race celebration, Lyles not only paid tribute to his favorite anime but also resonated with fans who share his enthusiasm for Japanese pop culture. This act of homage was quickly embraced by Japanese media, which hailed him as the “world’s fastest anime fan,” a nod to his remarkable combination of athletic prowess and deep-seated fandom.
Lyles’s connection to anime extends beyond this single moment. During the Olympic trials in June, he had delighted fans by showing off his “Yu-Gi-Oh” trading cards, another beloved Japanese franchise. His affection for anime was further underscored when he expressed his sorrow over the passing of “Dragon Ball” creator Akira Toriyama earlier this year. Lyles took to social media to mourn the loss, acknowledging how Toriyama’s work had profoundly impacted his life.
The overlap between sports and anime fandom is not a new phenomenon, but Lyles’s victory and subsequent celebration have brought it into the spotlight. His gesture was not the only anime-related tribute seen at the Olympics. The French men’s fencing team also made headlines by performing “kamehameha” gestures after winning bronze, adding to the anime-themed celebrations.
Beyond the Olympics, anime’s influence on athletes continues to grow. Brazilian volleyball player Darlan Ferreira Souza made waves by showcasing a tattoo of a slogan from “Haikyu!!,” another popular anime centered on high school volleyball. The tattoo, which reads “omoide nanka iran” or “We don’t need memories,” delighted fans and highlighted the global reach of anime.
For Lyles, his Olympic victory and celebration have solidified his status as a cultural ambassador of sorts, bridging the worlds of athletics and anime. His gesture resonated far beyond the track, touching the hearts of fans worldwide and reinforcing the idea that passions for pop culture and sports can intertwine in inspiring ways.
In the end, Noah Lyles’s triumph at the Olympics was not just about winning a gold medal but also about celebrating his personal interests with a global audience. His “kamehameha” was more than a victory celebration—it was a tribute to the anime that has been a significant part of his life and a joyful expression of his unique personality. For fans of both anime and athletics, Lyles’s celebration will be remembered as a moment where speed and fandom came together in perfect harmony.
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