Coach Says Lewis Not an Option

U.S. track coach Erv Hunt said he had no problem leaving eight-time gold medalist Carl Lewis off the Olympic 400-meter relay team.

“Carl finished last in the 100-meter finals during the trials,” Hunt told KRIV-TV. “That’s the big reason he wasn’t chosen to be one of the top four. I consider Carl to be the greatest track and field athlete ever, including Jesse Owens, but how do you pass Jon Drummond, Dennis Mitchell, Mike Marsh or Leroy Burrell in favor of Carl?”

Lewis, who qualified in the long jump, declined a spot as an alternate after Hunt selected Burrell, the world-record holder in the 100.

“I think Leroy is the greatest second-leg runner in the history of track and field and his marks prove that,” Hunt said. “The guy has been injured. I’ll bet money when he’s healthy in a few weeks, he’ll outrun everybody.”