American Legend Reveals Why No Sprinter Can Touch Usain Bolt's World Records Anytime Soon

Track and field legend Carl Lewis believes Usain Bolt's formidable world records in the 100m and 200m sprints will stand for a long time, while also advocating for stringent financial penalties to combat doping in athletics.

The nine-time Olympic gold medallist, whose illustrious career spanned four Games from 1984 to 1996, also shared his perspective on India's potential as a track and field nation.

He emphasised that significant investment in sporting culture and infrastructure is crucial for the country to become a global powerhouse.

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Speaking at a promotional event for the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, where he is the international event ambassador, Carl Lewis was unequivocal about the longevity of Bolt's records.

"Well, I don't think anyone can break it anytime soon, no, I don't," Lewis stated as quoted by the Shillong Times, referring to the Jamaican's stunning 9.58-second 100m world record. "I just don't think right now anyone can."

While he sees the 100m mark as particularly secure, Carl Lewis suggested the 200m record of 19.19 seconds might be slightly more vulnerable. "There's probably a better shot at that," he noted. "But I think the 100m is away for a while."

A dominant figure in both sprints and the long jump, Lewis, who admitted he always preferred the latter, also addressed the persistent issue of doping in sports.

His own career was famously marked by the 1988 Seoul Olympics 100m final, where he was awarded the gold medal after Ben Johnson was disqualified for steroid use. Carl Lewis proposed a firm financial deterrent for athletes caught cheating.

"To me, they should go after you financially," he argued. "Unless you reimburse, pay a fine, whatever, you can't come back. And maybe that ends your career. That's on you."

He stressed that consistent and relentless testing is the only way to create a clean environment. "The vast majority of people are clean and do the right thing," Lewis said. "But I think until there's forever fear, we're not going to have it."

Turning his attention to Indian athletics, Carl Lewis outlined a clear path for development. "What happens is that you start with a culture and then you build infrastructure," he explained.

"What India is going to need to do is really invest... through corporate sponsorship, governmental support... they're going to have to invest in their children and develop the children."

Carl Lewis, who has served as the head track and field coach at the University of Houston since 2014, believes the talent is already present.

He pointed to the American system as a model, citing its robust youth programs and collegiate system as the foundation for its sustained success in the sport.