Lewis Schedules His Swan Song U.S. Track And Field Legend Plans To End Career In June

Carl Lewis, the most decorated track and field athlete in history, will end his career in June in his hometown of Houston.

“A lot of people have been encouraging me to stay on and this is the first time I’ve said it will be my last season, but I intend to make my final race at Houston in June,” Lewis said.

Lewis, 35, has won nine Olympic gold medals and eight world titles. He has been involved in setting 10 world records and he recorded 65 consecutive victories in the long jump between 1981 and 1991.

“I don’t know what it’s going to feel like not being on the track any more, but I’m not going to sever my connection with the sport or with the Olympics,” Lewis said.

Lewis was in Australia to compete in a 100-meter race today. He finished next to last in the 100 Friday at Auckland, New Zealand, in a slow 10.76 seconds.

Not since Jesse Owens dominated track and field in the mid-1930s has there been an athlete with the speed and explosiveness of Lewis. And no one performed so well, for so long.

Lewis’ nine Olympic golds and one silver include four golds at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, matching Owens’ feat of four golds at the ‘36 Berlin Games. Lewis also equaled discus thrower Al Oerter’s record of winning the same event - the long jump - in four straight Olympics.

“Carl is the greatest athlete I’ve ever seen,” 1992 Olympic coach Mel Rosen said after Lewis won his record fourth Olympic long jump title at Atlanta last summer. “And he proves it time and time again.”