Carl Lewis is an American former track and field athlete who won nine Olympic gold medals and eight World Championships. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in history. Lewis was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and attended the University of Houston where he won four NCAA individual titles. He went on to become a professional athlete and competed in the 1984, 1988, 1992, and 1996 Olympics. In addition to his Olympic success, Lewis also set world records in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and long jump events. He was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2001.