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 of all time. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1961 and began competing in track and field events at the age of 13. He went on to become a world-renowned track star, setting world records in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay. He also won gold medals in the long jump and the 4x400m relay. Lewis retired from competitive athletics in 1997 and was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1999.