Olympic sprinting sensation Noah Lyles is preparing to say “I do” to his fiancée Junelle Bromfield, and fans can expect a wedding full of personal touches, including a nod to the couple’s shared passion for anime. The athletic star, who proposed in October 2024 after two years of dating, shared exclusive insights with PEOPLE about the upcoming nuptials, revealing that the couple is weaving elements of their unique love story into their Spring 2026 wedding.

Noah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield: A Love Story

Noah Lyles, 28, and Junelle Bromfield first met in 2017 and quickly grew close over shared interests. Their engagement in October 2024 marked a new chapter in their relationship. Known globally for his record-breaking sprinting achievements, Lyles has also made headlines for his love of pop culture, especially anime. This passion, he revealed, is finding its way into their wedding plans in unexpected and exciting ways.

Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at New York Comic Con, Lyles shared a sneak peek of their wedding preparations. “We have a few things — we have quite a few things anime-related,” he teased, hinting at the couple’s playful and unique approach to planning their nuptials.

Anime: A Shared Passion

Lyles’ love for anime started in childhood, sparked during sleepovers with friends. Over time, he introduced Bromfield to the world of manga and anime, a cultural phenomenon originating from Japan. While Bromfield didn’t take to manga immediately, Lyles humorously admits, “I might’ve been a little rough with it though.”

He elaborated: “I got Junelle into anime, but at first, she didn’t get into manga because I forgot to tell her that you read it from right to left instead of left to right. She was confused at first, but a few years later, she started reading manga by herself and fell in love with it.”

Their shared interest in anime even inspired a recent collaboration for Lyles with Crunchyroll and Adidas, unveiling an anime-inspired capsule collection, making the upcoming wedding a natural extension of their mutual interests.

Lyles’ Athletic Achievements Meet Pop Culture

The couple’s wedding plans come on the heels of Lyles’ record-breaking performance at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where he secured his fourth consecutive 200-meter world title — a feat previously only matched by Usain Bolt. The sprinter’s time in Tokyo also allowed him to indulge in his passion for anime, receiving numerous gifts from fans, including figurines, blankets, and collectibles of his favorite characters.

“I had so many figurines. People were just gifting me Goku figurines and towels, blankets, pictures, a ton of stuff. I tried to leave with at least 80% of it,” Lyles joked. While he doesn’t maintain a formal shrine, Lyles keeps his collectibles in a dedicated room, adding a personal touch to his life outside of athletics.

What Fans Can Expect from the Wedding

While specific details about the wedding remain under wraps, it’s clear that Noah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield are integrating their shared passions into their big day. From anime-inspired elements to nods to their unique love story, fans are eagerly anticipating a celebration that is both heartfelt and reflective of the couple’s personalities.

With a Spring 2026 wedding on the horizon, the Olympic star and his fiancée are setting the stage for a truly unforgettable event that blends athletic achievement, pop culture, and romance.