It was not a social media critic speaking — it’s Carl Lewis, one of the greatest athletes of all time. The nine-time Olympic gold medallist and ten-time World Championships medallist did not hold back as he assessed the mindset of present-day athletes, the doping menace, and the future of global sport during his visit to New Delhi as event ambassador of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, October 12.
With a legend like Lewis in town – something that doesn’t happen often – the 64-year-old American had select audience listening intently as he spoke with trademark candour about discipline, life after competition, and his philosophy as a coach.
‘Kids Today Think Of Fashion Before Performance’
Asked about the attitude and work ethic of present-day athletes, Lewis didn’t mince words. He criticised the growing obsession with image and style over substance.
I wanted to entertain on the track, but it never affected my performance,” Lewis said. “Now, kids think about their looks first and performance later. The women on our team — I talk to them about how they dress and present themselves. What I see now on track — makeup, eyelashes, hair — everything. It’s ridiculous! They say they want to look beautiful. I don’t care how they look. It’s about earning respect through performance, not seeking acceptance through appearance.
‘Keep Testing, Even 20 Years Later’ — On The Fight Against Doping
Inevitably, the discussion turned to doping — a long-standing problem in global athletics. When informed about India’s worrying rise in doping cases, Lewis stressed that testing must continue relentlessly, especially during major events like the Olympics.
I think the numbers are going up because testing is getting better,” he explained. “It’s not a global increase — it’s concentrated in certain areas. We need to keep testing. The vast majority of athletes are clean and doing the right thing.
Lewis believes deterrence must be perpetual. “It doesn’t matter if someone tests positive 20 years later — testing must go on. Until there is a forever fear, we won’t have clean sport. Keep testing at every Olympics. If they catch someone 20 years later, that’s fine.”
He also urged stronger penalties for offenders. “If you test positive, hit them financially — huge fines, career-ending bans. Maybe that will stop others. Continue testing, but also look closely at regions where most cases come from.”
‘I’m A Homebody’ — Life After Glory
At the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, Lewis emulated his idol Jesse Owens by winning gold in the 100m, 200m, long jump, and 4x100m relay — an unprecedented feat that made him a global superstar. But off the track, Lewis is surprisingly simple.
I love being at home. I have someone who’s cooked for me since the late ’80s. I practise with the kids, come home around the same time every day, take a nap, and I’m up by 5am. I’m a homebody, that’s it.
Coaching Philosophy: ‘I’m Teaching People To Get Jobs, Not Just Medals’
Lewis admits that coaching was never part of his plan. “I had zero desire to coach,” he said. “But when I started volunteering, I told the kids to be bold. I coach because I can afford the time and want to give back. Out of 113 athletes, only two went to college. The rest need real-world skills. I’m not just coaching athletes — I’m coaching people to build futures.”
Mixed Feelings About Sports Science
In an era of advanced sports science, Lewis believes technology has been both a boon and a bane. “Some things are better — like diet, nutrition, and video analysis. But mechanics are worse now. I see people on Instagram giving wrong advice every day. Thirty years ago, there was accountability — only those who knew the sport had a voice.”
We have fewer PE teachers, and most coaches lack background in movement and anatomy. Technology can’t replace understanding the body.
‘La 2028 Will Be Incredible’
Looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, Lewis’s eyes light up. “I’ve been involved in some capacity since 2015. Having the Games in your own country is something else. I’ll probably have a few athletes competing there. LA 2028 will be an incredible celebration of sport and spirit.”
‘I Miss Practice’
When asked what he misses most from his competitive years, Lewis smiled wistfully. “I miss practice. The meets and the stadiums were fine — but it’s the daily grind, the discipline, that I miss.”
