Frederick Carlton Lewis (Carl Lewis) (born July 1, 1961) is a former American track and field athlete who won 10 Olympic medals including 9 gold, and 10 World Championships medals, of which 8 were gold.
His career spanned from 1979 when he first achieved a world ranking to 1996 when he last won an Olympic title and subsequently retired.
Lewis was a dominant sprinter and long jumper who topped the world rankings in the 100 m, 200 m and long jump events frequently from 1981 to the early 1990s, was named Athlete of the Year by Track and Field News in 1982, 1983 and 1984, and set world records in the 100 m, 4 x 100 m and 4 x 200 m relays.
His world record in the indoor long jump has stood since 1984 and his 65 consecutive victories in the long jump achieved over a span of 10 years is one of the sport’s longest undefeated streaks.
His lifetime accomplishments have led to numerous accolades, including being voted "Sportsman of the Century" by the International Olympic Committee and being named "Olympian of the Century" by the American sports magazine Sports Illustrated.
He also helped transform track and field from its nominal amateur status to its current professional status, thus enabling athletes to have more lucrative and longer-lasting careers.
He is the only 2nd athlete on track and field to win 4 gold medals at single international championship which was during 1984 Los Angeles Olympics (100M, 200M, 4x100M & Long Jump) after Jesse Owens. Of course now Usain Bolt is trying to break that record in 2012 London Olympics.
He is also the only athlete in the world to defend the Olympic title for 3 times (1984 till 1996-Long Jump).
His Quotes: "Get out of the blocks, run your race, stay relaxed. If you run your race, you'll win... channel your energy. Focus."
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