Olympics: Carl Lewis: Man in the Eye of a Media Hurricane

As he began his pursuit of history and Jesse Owens with the 100-meter gold medal last Saturday, Carl Lewis, 23, also took off on the most intense eight days of his life. The week before could not have been a greater contrast. In the swirl of publicity and pressure, Lewis rigorously worked at relaxing, tranquilly creating his own world. TIME Correspondent Melissa Ludtke, who first interviewed him six months ago, was permitted a rare chance to enter that world and spend some time with Lewis. Her report:

Though he was raised in New Jersey,...

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