# Carl Lewis

> US track & field athlete

**Wikidata**: [Q131237](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131237)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Lewis)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/carl-lewis

## Summary
Carl Lewis is a US track & field athlete known for his dominance in sprinting and long jump events. He is one of the most decorated Olympians in history, winning nine Olympic gold medals across three Games (1984, 1988, 1996). His achievements include setting world records in the 100m and long jump, and he remains a cultural icon in American sports.

## Biography
- Born: July 1, 1961, in Birmingham, Alabama, United States
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Attended the University of Houston, where he studied computer science
- Known for: Winning nine Olympic gold medals in track and field
- Employer(s): University of Houston (affiliated with)
- Field(s): Track and field athletics

## Contributions
Carl Lewis did not publish academic papers or found companies, but his athletic career included:
- Setting world records in the 100m (9.92 seconds) and long jump (8.95m) during his prime
- Winning nine Olympic gold medals (four in the 100m, three in the long jump, and two in the 4x100m relay)
- Holding multiple world records in sprinting and jumping events throughout the 1980s and 1990s
- Inspiring generations of athletes through his dominance in track and field

## FAQs
**What sports did Carl Lewis compete in?**
Carl Lewis competed in sprinting (100m, 200m) and long jump, becoming the most decorated Olympian in track and field history.

**Where did Carl Lewis attend college?**
Carl Lewis attended the University of Houston, where he studied computer science.

**How many Olympic gold medals did Carl Lewis win?**
Carl Lewis won nine Olympic gold medals across three Games (1984, 1988, 1996).

**What world records did Carl Lewis set?**
Carl Lewis set world records in the 100m (9.92 seconds) and long jump (8.95m) during his career.

**Is Carl Lewis still active in sports?**
Carl Lewis retired from competitive athletics in 1997 but remains involved in sports as a coach and motivational speaker.

## Why They Matter
Carl Lewis revolutionized track and field by combining sprinting and jumping into a single career, setting records that stood for decades. His dominance in the 1980s and 1990s inspired a generation of athletes and redefined what was possible in the sport. His nine Olympic gold medals remain unmatched in track and field history, and his influence extends beyond athletics into cultural iconography. Lewis' legacy includes breaking racial barriers in sports and becoming a symbol of excellence in American athletics.

## Notable For
- Most decorated Olympian in track and field history (nine gold medals)
- World record holder in the 100m (9.92 seconds) and long jump (8.95m)
- First athlete to win Olympic gold in both sprinting and long jump
- Nine-time Olympic champion (1984, 1988, 1996)
- Inducted into the International Olympic Committee Hall of Fame
- Recipient of the Associated Press Athlete of the Year award
- Named one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century by the IAAF

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Carl Lewis was born on July 1, 1961, in Birmingham, Alabama. He attended the University of Houston, where he studied computer science. His athletic talent was evident early, but he initially focused on academics before transitioning to track and field.

### Athletic Career
Lewis began competing in track and field in the late 1970s, specializing in sprinting and long jump. His breakthrough came at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where he won gold in the 100m and long jump, becoming the first American to win both events in the same Games. This achievement set the stage for his legendary career.

### Olympic Dominance
Lewis won his first Olympic gold medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, where he took the 100m and long jump titles. He continued his dominance at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, winning gold in the 100m, long jump, and 4x100m relay. His third and final Olympic Games in 1996 (Atlanta) saw him win gold in the long jump and 4x100m relay, bringing his total to nine gold medals—an unmatched record in track and field.

### World Records and Achievements
Lewis set multiple world records during his career, including:
- 100m: 9.92 seconds (1988)
- Long jump: 8.95m (1988)
- 200m: 19.86 seconds (1988)
These records stood for years and remain among the greatest in Olympic history.

### Post-Olympic Career
After retiring from competition in 1997, Lewis remained active in sports as a coach and motivational speaker. He has been inducted into the International Olympic Committee Hall of Fame and continues to be celebrated as a cultural icon in American athletics.

### Legacy and Influence
Carl Lewis' influence extends beyond his athletic achievements. He broke racial barriers in sports, inspiring a new generation of athletes. His combination of sprinting and jumping set a new standard for versatility in track and field. Lewis' legacy includes:
- Inspiring countless athletes through his dominance and work ethic
- Becoming a symbol of excellence in American sports
- Influencing the development of track and field as a global sport
- Leaving an indelible mark on Olympic history

### Awards and Recognition
Lewis has received numerous awards, including:
- Associated Press Athlete of the Year (1988)
- IAAF World Athlete of the Year (1988)
- Induction into the International Olympic Committee Hall of Fame
- Recognition as one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century

### Personal Life
Lewis has been married to his wife, Sherri, since 1989. They have two children and remain active in philanthropy, supporting education and youth sports initiatives. His personal life reflects his commitment to family and community, mirroring his dedication to excellence in athletics.

## References

1. Discogs
2. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
3. USA Track & Field athlete database
4. [Source](https://www.fpa.es/es/premios-princesa-de-asturias/premiados/1996-carl-lewis.html?especifica=0&identificador=243&)
5. [Source](https://www.loc.gov/about/awards-and-honors/living-legends/carl-lewis/)
6. [Source](https://njhalloffame.org/hall-of-famers/2010-inductees/carl-lewis/)
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. CiNii Research
9. IMDb
10. SNAC
11. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
12. GeneaStar
13. World Athletics database
14. Basketball Reference
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. [Carl Lewis | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/authors/OL828222A/Carl_Lewis)
17. [Source](http://www.earthsave.org/lifestyle/carllewis.htm)
18. [Source](https://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/lewis-carlton-frederick-detto-carl/)
19. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
20. Quora
21. [Carl Lewis: film, foto](https://movieplayer.it/personaggi/carl-lewis_34108/)
22. The Movie Database
23. [Carl Lewis](https://www.filmweb.pl/person/Carl+Lewis-126184)
24. Golden
25. [Carl Lewis - MovieMeter.nl](https://www.moviemeter.nl/personen/112343/carl-lewis)
26. [Carl Lewis](https://entities.oclc.org/worldcat/entity/E39PBJbCTH4XF8yjwJgCcGtYfq.html)