The Olympics have historically served as a unifying platform for people of different cultures to come together and celebrate sports. However, in recent years, the presence of anime has made its way into this highly esteemed event in intriguing ways. From elaborate opening ceremonies to competitive moments, anime references have piqued the interest of both athletes and spectators.
The mention of popular anime series not only showcases the connection between sports and pop culture, but also resonates with the younger generation who have a deep appreciation for anime. Throughout this article, we will examine examples of how anime has made an impact on the Olympics, demonstrating how this beloved medium has broken barriers to enhance the essence of the Games.
Noah Lyes – World’s Fastest Anime Fan
Noah Lyes became one of the fastest men in the world when he won the men’s 100m finals at the 2024 Olympics. Despite a close race with Kishane Thompson, who finished just 0.005 seconds behind him, Noah struck a pose after his victory, imitating the “Kamehameha”move from Dragon Ball and publicly revealing his love for anime.
After the passing of Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, an Instagram post was shared in his honor. In the heartfelt post, the author poured his heart and soul out, expressing his admiration for Toriyama and how much of an inspiration he was.
Anime Theme Songs Featured at 2021 Olympics
The Archery Event:
The 2021 Olympic archery events, held in Tokyo, featured performances of “Guren No Yumiya”(from Attack on Titan) and “Gurenge”by LiSA (from Demon Slayer).
Basketball and Volleyball Matches:
The opening theme for Slam Dunk! was featured during the women’s basketball game, while the men’s volleyball games had the Haikyuu! theme playing.
The 2021 Olympics was an exciting event for anime fans who eagerly anticipated which anime theme would be played each day. It was observed that the opening theme from ZOIDS was featured on the first day of the Tokyo Olympics.
The One Piece Poses
In addition to featuring anime music, there have been occasions where athletes have been spotted imitating poses from One Piece. For instance, shot putter Payton Otterdahl recreated the iconic fist-in-the-air pose of Franky.
Additionally, Miltiadis Tentoglou, a Long Jumper from Greece, imitated Luffy’s second gear pose while Massimo Stano, an Italian athlete, performed Luffy’s third gear pose.
The One Piece staff has acknowledged Payton Otterdahl’s pose and recognized him as a “Nakama”(comrade).
References in Avatar: The Last Airbender
As a tribute to Aang from Avatar, Dutch Olympic athlete Kiran Badloe altered his appearance by shaving his hair in the shape of the arrow tattoo on Aang’s head and coloring it blue.
He declared his intention to harness the power of the winds in order to achieve his goals, which was fitting for a skilled windsurfer. This statement was undoubtedly inspired by Avatar: The Last Airbender. However, his words were not merely empty boasts, as he has proven his abilities by winning the Olympics three times in a row.
Surprisingly, Kiran Badloe was not the sole person to make a nod to Avatar at the Olympics. During the 2021 Tokyo Games, Nuria Diosdado and Joana Jimenez sported black and white swimsuits adorned with Tui and La, the koi fish from the popular film.
The Paris Olympics in 2024
The 2024 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, is currently being held in Paris, France. The event, which started on July 26, marks the city’s third time hosting the games and has now reached its 12th day.
The Paris Olympics 2024 will showcase a wide range of sports, including both traditional events like athletics and swimming, as well as newer additions like skateboarding and sport climbing. Along with celebrating athletic achievements, the Games will also highlight the vibrant culture and heritage of France, making it a truly unforgettable experience for both participants and viewers.
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