Carl Lewis

Carl Lewis

Carl Lewis in 2011

Carl Lewis is a former American track and field athlete who is widely regarded as one of the greatest sprinters and long jumpers in history. Born on July 1, 1961, in Birmingham, Alabama, Lewis dominated the sport during the 1980s and 1990s, winning numerous Olympic and World Championship titles.

Early Life and Career

Lewis showed early promise in athletics, setting high school records in the long jump and sprint events. He attended the University of Houston, where he continued to excel in track and field. In 1981, he burst onto the international scene by winning the gold medal in the long jump at the World Championships in Helsinki, Finland.

Olympic Success

Lewis's greatest achievements came at the Olympic Games. He competed in four consecutive Olympics from 1984 to 1996, winning a total of nine gold medals and one silver medal. At the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, he won four gold medals in the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and 4x100 meters relay. This feat earned him the nickname "King Carl."

World Records

Throughout his career, Lewis set multiple world records in both the long jump and sprint events. His most notable record was in the long jump, where he leaped 8.79 meters (28 feet 10¼ inches) at the 1984 Olympic Trials. This record stood for 23 years until it was broken by Mike Powell in 1991.

Legacy

Lewis's dominance in track and field, along with his charismatic personality, made him one of the most popular athletes of his time. He inspired a generation of athletes and became a role model for aspiring sprinters and long jumpers. His achievements and records continue to be celebrated and remembered in the world of athletics.

See Also

• Athletics at the Summer Olympics
• Long jump
• Sprint (running)

External Links

• Official Website of Carl Lewis
• Olympic Profile of Carl Lewis