Carl Lewis on USA track

Carl Lewis has expressed deep frustration over Team USA's track performance, particularly after the men's 4x100m relay team was disqualified in the Paris 2024 Olympics due to a botched baton pass between Christian Coleman and Kenny Bednarek. Lewis called for a complete overhaul of the USA Track & Field program, stating that no athlete should compete in relays until significant changes are made, criticizing the organization for prioritizing relationships over winning. Michael Johnson echoed Lewis's sentiments, suggesting it might be time to lower expectations for the men's team given their 20-year medal drought in this event. The disqualification marks the latest in a series of relay failures for the U.S., which has not won Olympic gold in the 4x100m since the program's inception. Despite Team USA achieving a total of 125 medals at the Olympics, the absence of a medal in the relay event has overshadowed their success. Lewis's demands for accountability and reform reflect a growing concern about the future of U.S. athletics in relay events.