Usain Bolt vs Carl Lewis
The greatest sprinter debate — Usain Bolt vs Carl Lewis. World records, Olympic gold medals and legacy compared.
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Usain Bolt
Jamaican · Born 1986
The fastest human in recorded history — world record holder at 100m (9.58s) and 200m (19.19s) and eight-time Olympic gold medallist.
View Full Profile →Carl Lewis
American · Born 1961
Nine-time Olympic gold medallist and winner of four consecutive long jump titles at the Games — widely considered the greatest track and fie
View Full Profile →Career Statistics
| Statistic | Usain Bolt | Carl Lewis |
|---|---|---|
| 100m World Record | 9.58s (Berlin 2009) | — |
| 200m World Record | 19.19s (Berlin 2009) | — |
| Olympic Golds | 8 | 9 |
| World Titles | 11 | 8 |
| Top Speed | 44.72 km/h | — |
| Height | 6ft 5in | — |
| Stride | 2.44m average stride length | — |
| 100m Personal Best | — | 9.86s |
| Personal Best200m | — | 19.75s |
| Personal Best Long Jump | — | 8.87m |
| Long Jump Titles | — | 4 |
| Sprint Titles | — | 5 |
Usain Bolt
Usain St Leo Bolt was born in Sherwood Content, Jamaica in 1986 and became the fastest human being in recorded history — the only man ever to hold both the 100m and 200m world records simultaneously for an extended period. His world records of 9.58 seconds for 100m and 19.19 seconds for 200m were set at the 2009 Berlin World Championships and remain unchallenged. He competed for Jamaica from 2004 to 2017, winning 8 Olympic gold medals across 3 Games — the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay at Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016. He won 11 World Championship gold medals. His peak speed of 44.72 km/…
Full Usain Bolt biography →Carl Lewis
Frederick Carlton Lewis was born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1961 and became the greatest track and field athlete in history — winning 9 Olympic gold medals across 4 Games from 1984 to 1996, and 8 World Championship gold medals. He competed for the USA from 1979 to 1997. His 9 Olympic golds span the 100m (1984, 1988, 1992), 200m (1984), long jump (1984, 1988, 1992, 1996) and 4x100m relay (1984, 1992). His 4 consecutive Olympic long jump titles — from Los Angeles to Atlanta — is the greatest individual achievement in track and field history. His personal bests of 9.86 seconds for 100m and 8.87 me…
Full Carl Lewis biography →The Verdict
Bolt holds both world records (9.58s / 19.19s) and won 8 Olympic golds. Lewis won 9 Olympic golds across 4 Games including 4 consecutive long jump titles. Bolt is the faster man; Lewis the more decorated multi-event champion. Most athletics historians give Lewis the edge on longevity; Bolt on peak dominance.