Sports | Willingboro (1961- )
Carl Lewis is regarded as one f the greatest track and field starts of all time, and his story is inspirational. Carl grew up in Willingboro, guided by parents who were teachers and track coaches. Small and skinny, Carl was not a great athlete as a child, but had a dedication and determination that led him to achieve remarkable success. Today he is celebrated as one of the greatest Olympic stars of all time, winning four gold medals in the 1984 games and nine gold medals in four straight Olympics. He has been named World Athlete of the Decade, Olympic Athlete of the Century, and was elected into the Track and field Hall of Fame. Not bad for a South Jersey kid who was told he wouldn’t win many track meets. Carl continues to inspire people with his leadership, most recently tapped by the UN as a Goodwill Ambassador. New Jersey is proud to call Carl Lewis one of our own.