Lewis, Carl (1961-…), an American athlete, ranks among the greatest sprinters and long jumpers in track and field history. Lewis twice set a world record in the 100-meter dash and ran the anchor (final) leg on eight world record relay teams. He competed in the Olympic Games in 1984, 1988, 1992, and 1996. He won nine gold medals, which tied him with Finnish distance runner Paavo Nurmi for the highest total in Olympic track and field history. Lewis was the first man to win the 100-meter dash twice and the only man to repeat as long jump champion, winning four times. From 1981 to 1991, Lewis won 65 consecutive long jump competitions.
Lewis was born on July 1, 1961, in Birmingham, Alabama. He starred in track and field at the University of Houston in 1980 and 1981, when he began competing for the Santa Monica Track Club. Lewis discussed his career in Inside Track: My Professional Life in Amateur Track and Field (1990, rev. ed., 1992). In 1997, Lewis announced his retirement from track and field competition.
