Carl Lewis

Date of Birth: July 1, 1961

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Biography

Frederick Carlton “Carl” Lewis is an American former track and field athlete who dominated the sport during the 1980s and 1990s. Born on July 1, 1961, in Birmingham, Alabama, Lewis is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time. He won a total of nine Olympic gold medals, one Olympic silver medal, and ten World Championships medals, including eight gold. His prowess spanned across the 100 meters, 200 meters, and long jump events. Lewis began his track and field career in high school, where he quickly established himself as a standout athlete. He attended the University of Houston, where he was coached by Tom Tellez, and soon became a national star. His first major international success came at the 1983 World Championships, where he won three gold medals. The pinnacle of his career came at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where he equaled Jesse Owens’ 1936 feat by winning four gold medals in a single Olympics. Lewis continued to compete at the highest level throughout the late ’80s and ’90s, solidifying his legacy with additional Olympic and World Championship victories. He retired from competitive athletics in 1997 and has since worked as an actor, businessman, and motivational speaker.

5 Interesting Facts about Carl Lewis

1. Carl Lewis is one of only three Olympic athletes to win nine gold medals.

2. He equaled Jesse Owens’ record by winning four gold medals at the 1984 Summer Olympics.

3. Lewis was named “Olympian of the Century” by Sports Illustrated.

4. He set world records in the 100 meters, 4×100 meters relay, and 4×200 meters relay during his career.

5. Carl Lewis was inducted into the USA Track & Field Hall of Fame in 2001.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Carl Lewis

1. “The trials on the road to world harmony are no greater than the courage of those who accept the challenge.”

2. “Life is about timing.”

3. “Scientists have proven that it’s impossible to long-jump 30 feet, but I don’t listen to that kind of talk. Thoughts like that have a way of sinking into your feet.”

4. “I tell you, it’s funny because the only time I think about HIV is when I have to take my medicine twice a day.”

5. “If you don’t have confidence, you’ll always find a way not to win.”