50 greatest Summer Olympians in history

By John Buhler | Jul 29, 2016

Nov 22, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; A detailed view of the American flag during the national anthem prior to the Thanksgiving day game between the Houston Texans and Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

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17. Carl Lewis, Track and Field.

U.S. stalwart Carl Lewis has become synonymous with Track & Field glory at the Summer Games, winning nine gold and one silver over the course of four Olympics.

Lewis won gold in the long jump in an absurd four straight Games (from 1984 to 1992), and won gold in the 100m twice (’84 and ’88).

Lewis also won two golds as a member of the 4×100 relay (in 1984 and in 1992), and in the 200m in Los Angeles in 1984. His lone silver, meanwhile, came in the same 200m four years later in Seoul.

Lewis is still revered today for his versatile track accomplishments, his longevity, and his brash personality. He ran as a Democrat for a seat in the New Jersey Senate in 2011, but had to be removed from the ballot because he wasn’t a resident.

Next: 16. Kristin Otto.

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