August 11, 1984 – World-class sprinter Carl Lewis earned the title of the fastest man on the planet, He repeated what Jesse Owens had accomplished almost 50 years earlier in 1936, by winning a fourth Olympic gold medal as part of the US 4 x 100m relay team.
That relay team set a world record of 37.83 seconds. Joining Owens in the accomplishment were Emmit King, Calvin Smith, and Willie Gault (who would later play for the Chicago Bears.)
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network
From Card Tables to Championships: The Lasting Influence of Casinos on Sports History
Casinos have been complex and fascinating actors in sports culture history. From sponsoring high-profile
How Sports Venues Inspired Modern Restaurant Furniture Throughout History
Not many people are aware of the close connection between the design of modern
The Digital Spectator: How Global Broadcast Technology Transformed Indigenous Sports into World-Class Commodities
The 1964 Tokyo Olympics changed Judo, but not because of medals. The Olympics were
Remembering the 1972 Cleveland Browns
How many NFL teams during the 1970s do you remember that lost all six
How the 2025 Iowa Hawkeyes Stack Up to Historic Teams
Few programs in college football carry the kind of gritty tradition that Iowa does.
Defying Destiny: The Most Miraculous League Title Wins in Soccer History
A domestic league championship is often called the truest test in soccer. Unlike the
Top Week 4 Fantasy and Betting Sleepers: Players Poised to Cash Big
The NFL’s best-kept secrets aren’t just about winning games. They’re about winning bets. Every
1972 Dallas Cowboys: From Duane Thomas Drama to Staubach’s Stunning Comeback
After posting an impressive 69–24–2 record over the last six seasons, including two NFC