Mike Powell/Allsport

The greatest of ease

Lewis blazed a path of Olympic glory for the United States

Explosive speed and the ability to take monstrous leaps are alone rare gifts. Carl Lewis had them both. The New Jersey native redefined longevity and dominance in track and field, winning nine Olympic golds and eight World Championships. His crowning moment came in Los Angeles at the 1984 Olympics, when he duplicated Jesse Owens’ 1936 feat of winning four golds in the 100- and 200-meters, long jump and 4 x 100 relay.