more than a decade ago , carl lewis stood on the threshold of what was to become the greatest track career in history . he had just broken two of the legendary jesse owens ' college credentials , but never believed he would become a corporate icon , the source of hundreds of millions of usd in advertising . his activity was a largely amateur . eighteen asian and track championship gold medalist and 21 world championships later , carl has become the biggest man in the history of track and outdoor - - a multi - celebrity .
Carl Lewis won eighteen gold medals and set 21 world records.