Carl Lewis
Carl Lewis
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Carl Edward Lewis is an American retired track and field athlete, born on July 1, 1961.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: July 1, 1961
Still active in various capacities
Nationality and Profession(s)
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American | Track and Field Athlete, Coach, Sports Commentator
Early Life and Background
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Carl Lewis was born in Birmingham, Alabama. His family moved to Los Angeles when he was four years old due to his father's work as a United States Air Force Master Sergeant. Lewis grew up in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, where he began competing in track and field events at a young age.
As a child, Lewis was inspired by his athletic prowess and competitive drive. He attended South Hills High School in West Covina, California, where he won 10 state championships and set multiple national records in the long jump and 200-meter dash events. His exceptional talent earned him a scholarship to the University of Southern California (USC), where he studied sociology.
Major Accomplishments
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Lewis's career is marked by numerous accolades and achievements:
Olympic Champion: Lewis won four Olympic gold medals, in the long jump at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and three more (including two golds) at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
World Record Holder: He set multiple world records in the long jump, including a record that stood for nearly a decade.
10-Time World Champion: Lewis won 10 world championships medals throughout his career, with four of them being gold.Notable Works or Actions
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In addition to his athletic achievements, Lewis has pursued various endeavors:
Coaching and Sports Commentary: After retiring from competition, Lewis turned to coaching and sports commentary. He worked as a coach for the USC track team and has provided analysis for several television networks.
Philanthropy: Lewis is involved with various charitable organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the American Red Cross.Impact and Legacy
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Carl Lewis's impact on track and field extends beyond his impressive athletic achievements. He:
Inspired a Generation: Lewis's success paved the way for future generations of athletes, particularly those from underrepresented communities.
Advocated for Social Justice: As an outspoken advocate for social justice and equality, Lewis has used his platform to raise awareness about issues affecting marginalized groups.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Carl Lewis is widely quoted and remembered due to:
Trailblazing Career: His numerous records and achievements made him a household name in the world of track and field.
Inspirational Figure: Lewis's determination, work ethic, and commitment to social justice have inspired countless individuals worldwide.
Ongoing Influence: Even after retirement, Lewis continues to be an influential figure in the sports world through his coaching, commentary, and philanthropic efforts.
Quotes by Carl Lewis
Carl Lewis's insights on:
To this day, most people think of me as the fastest human. They don’t really think me as a long jumper, although that’s the event I had more success in.
I tell you, it was kind of two-fold. I fortunately had a lot of support. My coach was amazing – he told me to focus on being prepared and that is what I did. Every athlete is nervous – any athlete who tells you they’re not nervous isn’t telling you the truth. I was as prepared as I could be.
I’m not running for state Senate because I wanted to become a politician. I’m running because I wanted to serve.
I’m not supposed to be able to speak clearly, and decipher what’s going on in the media. I’m supposed to be the typical amateur who’s 22 and scared to death and can’t believe he won the Olympics.
Join me in the final race to smash poverty and achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals.
At the end of the day, if you’re a professional athlete in track and field you are the CEO of your company.
I’ve always known that sporting people frequently suffer from joint problems because of the repeated strain they put on their bodies to get to the top. But somehow I never thought it would happen to me.
I don’t feel I’m qualified to be a coach outside the high school level. I think I would need to do more education to really be a good coach.