Carl Lewis

Carl Lewis is an American former track and field athlete, born on July 1, 1961, in Birmingham, Alabama. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time. Lewis began his professional career with the University of Houston before going on to represent the United States in numerous international competitions, including the Olympics, where he won multiple gold medals.

Lewis is known for his incredible speed, strength, long jump ability, and versatility. He has won numerous individual awards, including nine Olympic gold medals, and holds multiple records.

Off the field, Lewis is also recognized for his activism and influence, making significant contributions to various social issues and inspiring millions worldwide.

University of Houston

• Early Career: Lewis was born and raised in New Jersey and moved to Texas for college to join the University of Houston's track and field team. He made his first significant achievement by winning the long jump at the 1980 NCAA Championships.

International Competitions

• Olympic Success: Lewis represented the United States in the Olympics for the first time in 1984. Over his career, he won nine gold medals and one silver across four different Olympic Games, establishing himself as one of the most successful Olympic athletes of all time.

Professional Track and Field

• Later Career: Lewis continued his professional track and field career into the late 1990s, setting numerous records and winning multiple world championships.

United States National Team

• Debut: Made his debut for the United States in international competition in 1980.

Achievements:

• Olympic Games: Winner of nine gold medals and one silver medal across four Olympic Games.
• World Championships: Lewis won eight gold medals at the World Championships, establishing himself as one of the most decorated athletes in the event's history.

• Events: Primarily competed in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and long jump events.
• Skills: Known for his incredible speed, strength, jumping ability, and versatility. Lewis is celebrated for his technical proficiency and consistency in performance.

• Family: Lewis has one son. He is married to Maria Lewis.
• Activism: Lewis is involved in various social issues, including advocating for a vegan lifestyle and supporting LGBTQ+ rights.

• Carl Lewis is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his influence on track and field and his advocacy for various social issues. His impact on the sport and his status as an icon extend beyond the track, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Most Gold Medals in Olympic Track and Field:

• Nine gold medals

Most Gold Medals in World Championships:

• Eight gold medals

World Record Holder:

• Former world record holder in the 100 meters, 4x100 meters relay, and long jump.

Books

• Lewis, C., Marx, J. (1990) Inside Track: My Professional Life in Amateur Track and Field. New York: Simon & Schuster.
• Moore, K. (2012) The Dirtiest Race in History: Ben Johnson, Carl Lewis and the 1988 Olympic 100m Final. London: Bloomsbury Publishing.

Websites

• IAAF: Information about Carl Lewis’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.iaaf.org
• Olympic: Details about Lewis’s career at the Olympic Games. Available at: https://www.olympic.org

Articles

• BBC Sport: Carl Lewis: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/48839800
• The Guardian: Carl Lewis’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/carl-lewis

Interviews and Documentaries

• ESPN Interviews: Various interviews and features on Carl Lewis, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.espn.com