On This Day

Carl Lewis

Athlete

Born: American

Frederick Carlton Lewis is an American former track and field athlete who won nine Olympic gold medals, one Olympic silver medal, and 10 World Championships medals, including eight gold. Lewis was a dominant sprinter and long jumper whose career spanned from 1979 to 1996, when he last won the Olympic long jump. He is one of six athletes to win gold in the same individual event in four consecutive Olympic Games, and is one of two people to win gold in the same individual athletics event in four Olympic Games, along with USA discus thrower Al Oerter. He is the head track and field coach for the University of Houston.

Lewis topped the world rankings in the 100 m, 200 m and long jump events frequently from 1981 to the early 1990s. He set world records in the 100 m, 4 × 100 m and 4 × 200 m relays, while his world record in the indoor long jump has stood since 1984. His 65 consecutive victories in the long jump over a span of ten years is one of the sport's longest undefeated streaks. Lewis broke 10 seconds for the 100 meters fifteen times and 20 seconds for the 200 meters ten times.

Notable For

American track and field athlete

Carl Lewis's Historical Timeline

  1. Carl Lewis is born

    Carl Lewis, American athlete, known for american track and field athlete, was born on 1962-07-01.

  2. Carl Lewis runs a wind-assisted 100m in 9.78 sec

    Carl Lewis runs a wind-assisted 100m in 9.78 sec

  3. The US track team sweeps the medals in the long jump at the Barcelona Olympics as Carl Lewis wins gold with a jump of 28

    The US track team sweeps the medals in the long jump at the Barcelona Olympics as Carl Lewis wins gold with a jump of 28 feet, 5 1/2 inches (8.67 meters), Mike Powell wins silver, and Joe Greene wins bronze

Associated Historical Events

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Carl Lewis born?
Carl Lewis was born on 1962-07-01 (American).
What is Carl Lewis known for?
American track and field athlete
What historical events involved Carl Lewis?
Carl Lewis was involved in 3 recorded historical events, including Carl Lewis is born, Carl Lewis runs a wind-assisted 100m in 9.78 sec, The US track team sweeps the medals in the long jump at the Barcelona Olympics as Carl Lewis wins gold with a jump of 28.

Related Years