Carl Lewis
Track-and-Field star
Born: July 1, 1961, in Birmingham, Alabama
Grew up in: Willingboro, New Jersey
New Jersey Hall of Fame, Class of 2010: Sports

Carl Lewis is a believer. His deep belief in his abilities forged him into one of the greatest track-and-field stars of all time, with nine Olympic gold medals to prove it.

Born Frederick Carlton Lewis, the future star grew up in a family focused on athletics. His mother was a hurdler on the 1951 Pan-Am team, and both parents ran a local athletics club that created opportunities for Carl and his siblings. An older brother grew up to play professional soccer; his sister became an elite long jumper, winning four U.S. championships and competing at the 1984 Olympics.

But it was Carl who was destined to reach the greatest heights. Coached by his father, he emerged as a promising track athlete at Willingboro High School, specializing in the long jump. A self-described “skinny little kid,” Lewis’ success was the product of serious work and determination. By the time he graduated high school in 1979, Track & Field News ranked Lewis fifth in the world in the long jump.

Recruited by numerous colleges, Lewis chose to attend the University of Houston. At Houston, he excelled in the long jump, as well as the sprint and on the 100-meter relay team. By 1981, he was named No. 1 in the world at the long jump and the 100-meter sprint.

Lewis reached the apex of his fame at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, competing in four track events and winning the gold in all four, a feat that matched Jesse Owens’ legendary sweep at the 1938 Olympics in Berlin. Lewis won the long jump with ease, and also reigned in the 100- and 200-meter sprints and the 4×100 relay, setting Olympic records in the latter two events.

Competing in three more Olympics, Lewis went on to win another five gold medals and one silver. He is one of only two athletes to win gold in the same athletic event—the long jump—in four consecutive Olympics. He also won 10 World Championship medals, including eight gold. In all, he scored 65 consecutive victories in the long jump over a span of 10 years.

Among his many honors, Lewis was named Sportsman of the Century by the International Olympics Committee; World Athlete of the Century by the International Association of Athletics Federations; and Olympian of the Century by Sports Illustrated.

Since retiring from competition, Lewis has run his own marketing and branding company; has acted in several movies; and continues to serve as head coach of the track-and-field program at the University of Houston. He has also given back as a UN Goodwill Ambassador.