For most of the 1980s, no one could outrun or outjump Carl Lewis. He was the number-one-ranked 100- and 200- meter sprinter and long jumper in the world. As world record holder in the 100-meter dash, Lewis earned the title, "the world's fastest man." Lewis has won nine Olympic gold medals--tied for the most ever--with his greatest moment occurring during the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California, when he won four gold medals (the 100- and 200-meter sprints, the 4 x 100-meter relay, and the long jump). This feat matched the accomplishment of the legendary Jesse Owens, the only other athlete to win four gold medals in track and field during a single Olympics (1936 in Berlin). His success on the track has made Lewis rich; numerous commercial endorsements, personal appearances, and prizes from meets have made him a millionaire.

Lewis was born on July 1, 1961, in Birmingham, Alabama. Athletics were...