The sensational Carl Lewis finally tells his story in new documentary at SXSW

By Nia Harmon

Carl Lewis’ athletic abilities can only be described as superhuman. 

A star athlete long before he was recruited for the track and field program at the University of Houston, Lewis made waves, attracting the attention of media outlets and college recruits. Famously defying norms, his self-titled documentary, “I’m Carl Lewis!,” is a unique look into the legend that he is on and off the track.

Premiering at SXSW, the documentary left the crowd at the Rollins Theatre laughing, clapping, and celebrating all that Lewis was and still is. The film is directed by Julie Anderson and Chris Hay, and is a Noah Media Group Production in Association with Uninterrupted and Nike.

This piece takes the story of an athlete who was continually misunderstood starting as a child. As he progressed into a professional athlete, he was misrepresented in the media, berated for his authenticity, and met with crude criticism from his competition. Yet, he still came out on top as the greatest track and field athlete to ever do it: ten Olympic medals later – nine of them gold – and numerous accolades for his accomplishments including “Sportsman of the Century” by the International Olympic Committee and “Olympian of the Century” by Sports Illustrated in the 1980’s.

Lewis was also a fierce advocate for himself, straying from the norms of how Black athletes were expected to present themselves at the time – and the media did not know what to make of it. For his self-assuredness, he was perceived to be cocky, arrogant, and essentially unlikeable. 

But of course, that would not – and did not –  stop Lewis. 

With the help of archival footage from throughout his career and interviews from loved ones, close friends, former teammates and coaches, and the legend himself, the world gets an intimate look into who Lewis is, still as bold as ever. The one hour and 37 minute film is engaging from start to finish, as we see Lewis navigate loss and triumphs from the death of his father, to the illegitimate accusations and conviction of steroid use, and sometimes missing the mark, to breaking unimaginable track and field records, his side quests as an entertainer and pop culture icon, and thought-provoking photoshoots. 

The eclectic, straight-forward, and confident Lewis remains an incredible example of what it means to be unapologetically yourself, no matter where you are or who tells you to do otherwise. 

Now a track and field coach at his alma mater, Lewis is an emblematic figure of just how far passion, endurance, and determination can take a person in this life. 

“I’m Carl Lewis!” is now playing in theaters.