Carl Lewis is a name that will always be remembered in the history of sports. His list of accomplishments and awards are so long, it’s hard to sum them up in one article. From being a nine-time Olympic gold medalist to winning 10 world championships, his achievements on the track have earned him global recognition as one of the greatest athletes of all time. But what about off the track? How has this legendary athlete been able to accumulate such wealth and fame? Read on for more details on Carl Lewis’ net worth and the story behind it.
Introduction to Carl Lewis
The American track and field star was born on July 1, 1961 in Birmingham, Alabama. He grew up in Willingboro Township, New Jersey and started running at the age of seven. By 1982, he had become an international sensation after breaking three world records in the same event during a meet in Europe. This marked the beginning of a career full of accolades that would make him an Olympic legend.
Athletic Achievements of Carl Lewis
Lewis went on to win four consecutive Olympic gold medals in the long jump at the 1984, 1988, 1992 and 1996 Games. Additionally, he won nine gold medals over the course of his career in total – eight in individual events (four each in the 100 m and 200 m sprints) and one in the 4x100m relay. In addition to his Olympic success, he also holds six world championship titles and broke several world records along the way.
How Much Is Carl Lewis Worth Today?
As of 2021, Carl Lewis is estimated to have a net worth of $50 million. While most of his fortune comes from earnings accrued through years of athletic performance and sponsorship deals, some of his money has come from other sources too. Let’s take a closer look at how this iconic Olympian amassed his impressive wealth.
Carl Lewis’s Highest-Earning Years
At the height of his athletics career, Lewis made around $7 million per year from endorsements alone. His most profitable endorsement deal came from Nike in 1991, which saw him pocket nearly $3 million annually. During his heyday, Lewis also competed in various high-paying professional tournaments abroad, including Japan’s World Superstars Championships and Malaysia’s Proton Trophy Race. All these events added to his already sizeable income.
Life After Athletics for Carl Lewis
In 1997, Lewis retired from competitive athletics but remained involved with the sport by becoming a coach and administrator. He served as head coach of the University of Houston men’s track team from 1998 to 2004 and helped promote youth participation in track and field. In 2011, he was appointed Chairman of USATF Foundation’s Board of Directors, where he continued to champion grassroots athletics programs across the country.
Endorsement Deals of Carl Lewis
Even though his competitive days were over, Lewis maintained lucrative endorsement contracts with several major companies. These include Coca Cola, McDonald’s, General Motors and Visa Inc., who paid him between $250 thousand to $2 million annually for appearances, endorsements or commercials throughout the late 1990s and 2000s.
Real Estate Holdings of Carl Lewis
Lewis owns multiple properties located in different parts of America. He bought a sprawling 5,000 square foot home near San Diego for almost $4 million in 2005 and recently purchased another mansion overlooking Lake Austin for an undisclosed amount. With luxury homes like these in his portfolio, it’s no wonder why Carl Lewis’ net worth continues to grow steadily.
Carl Lewis’s Charitable Work
Not only has he built a significant personal fortune through his athletic endeavours, but he has also dedicated much of his time towards charitable causes. For instance, in 1999 he founded the “Carl Lewis Foundation”, whose mission is to help disadvantaged children achieve their goals through education and sport programmes. In 2008, he donated $500 thousand to build an athletics facility at Lincoln High School in Texas and since then has contributed financially towards many other similar projects in different states across America.
Conclusion: A Summary of Carl Lewis’s Net Worth
It’s safe to say that Carl Lewis is a sporting icon who has used his talents both on and off the track to great effect. Thanks to shrewd investments and endorsements deals, plus wise philanthropic donations, he currently enjoys a net worth of $50 million – not bad for someone who began their career earning just pennies for competing in races! As long as Lewis remains active within the industry either as an ambassador or benefactor, there is every chance his net worth will continue growing exponentially.
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