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[Inside Track] [By: Lewis, Carl] [January, 2014]
The world's fastest human and one of the greatest athletes of our time has written the most controversial inside account of any sport since A Season on the Brink. Coauthor Jeffery Marx won a Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting about cheating in college sports. Fast Track is certain to be the hardest-hitting book about track ever published. 16 pages of photographs.
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First published January 1, 1990
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 10, 2026
[Pelham Books] (1990). HB/DJ. 1/1. 240 Pages. Illustrated. Indexed. Purchased from Gemma Lane (The Book Seeker).
A defiantly outspoken account of Carl Lewis’ challenges and achievements in elite athletics.
Much is made, quite rightly, of Ben Johnson’s disgraceful conduct in and around the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Years later, if “The Guardian” newspaper is to be believed (18/04/2003), it was revealed that Lewis himself tested positive at the preceding U.S. Trials. He was cleared: “inadvertent usage”. It would have been nice to see that episode examined in context. It’s an important part of his personal story and illustrative of the subtleties surrounding a key issue for the sport.
The mechanics of illicit payments - within the absurd, sham ‘amateur’ framework - is covered at some length. Related moral dilemmas, and I.R.S. ramifications, seemed to be skirted around.
Twisted politics, corruption, hypocrisy, feuding and administrative subterfuge are laid bare.
The abuse that Lewis suffered at the hands of vicious, arguably unscrupulous journalists was shocking. Gary Smith, at “Sports Illustrated”, features prominently.
Unfortunately, Sri Chinmoy pops up a fair amount. His ‘mystical powers’ are afforded significant respect.
Overall, this is a fascinating, well-written autobiography by a preeminent sprinter and jumper.
I’m interested in reading “One More Victory Lap: My Personal Diary of an Olympic Year”(1996) as the author’s achievements beyond 1990 remained at a stratospheric level.
Also, it’d be fascinating to get his take in a modern update - across the board - on the status quo. The “Grand Slam Track” fiasco, for example, what an ill-conceived disaster. A retrospective on the ‘80s and ‘90s would also be of interest. For example, amongst the athletes whom he lauded, some conducted themselves with decorum, honour and integrity (e.g. Angela Bailey), whilst others - for instance Mary Decker - rather ‘attracted controversy’, in various forms.
A defiantly outspoken account of Carl Lewis’ challenges and achievements in elite athletics.
Much is made, quite rightly, of Ben Johnson’s disgraceful conduct in and around the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Years later, if “The Guardian” newspaper is to be believed (18/04/2003), it was revealed that Lewis himself tested positive at the preceding U.S. Trials. He was cleared: “inadvertent usage”. It would have been nice to see that episode examined in context. It’s an important part of his personal story and illustrative of the subtleties surrounding a key issue for the sport.
The mechanics of illicit payments - within the absurd, sham ‘amateur’ framework - is covered at some length. Related moral dilemmas, and I.R.S. ramifications, seemed to be skirted around.
Twisted politics, corruption, hypocrisy, feuding and administrative subterfuge are laid bare.
The abuse that Lewis suffered at the hands of vicious, arguably unscrupulous journalists was shocking. Gary Smith, at “Sports Illustrated”, features prominently.
Unfortunately, Sri Chinmoy pops up a fair amount. His ‘mystical powers’ are afforded significant respect.
Overall, this is a fascinating, well-written autobiography by a preeminent sprinter and jumper.
I’m interested in reading “One More Victory Lap: My Personal Diary of an Olympic Year”(1996) as the author’s achievements beyond 1990 remained at a stratospheric level.
Also, it’d be fascinating to get his take in a modern update - across the board - on the status quo. The “Grand Slam Track” fiasco, for example, what an ill-conceived disaster. A retrospective on the ‘80s and ‘90s would also be of interest. For example, amongst the athletes whom he lauded, some conducted themselves with decorum, honour and integrity (e.g. Angela Bailey), whilst others - for instance Mary Decker - rather ‘attracted controversy’, in various forms.
March 14, 2016
Born in -83, in Sweden, Carl Lewis was probably my first sport hero. One of my first and best TV moments is the fantastic lungjump competition against Mike Powell (when they both jumped longer than the world record).
Interesting to read about his upbringing and strong family ties. And that he was small and weak as a child (who would have though that!). Some athletes come from poor upbringings (both socially and financially), clearly not Carl. His parents were teachers, he is very much American good self confidence middle class.
Clearly an interesting man with a strong personality. I have to admit I felt very much dissapointed when it came to my realization that he had taken illegal substances (it remains very unclear I think how much this was "in system" and how much it influenced him). However I have decided he remains my hero.
Interesting to read about his upbringing and strong family ties. And that he was small and weak as a child (who would have though that!). Some athletes come from poor upbringings (both socially and financially), clearly not Carl. His parents were teachers, he is very much American good self confidence middle class.
Clearly an interesting man with a strong personality. I have to admit I felt very much dissapointed when it came to my realization that he had taken illegal substances (it remains very unclear I think how much this was "in system" and how much it influenced him). However I have decided he remains my hero.
June 28, 2013
Its been way to long to really recall much about the book. I remember reading it and thinking that, much like other professional sports stars, he was really egotistical but I guess that is fairly normal. I always admired Carl when I was younger and ran track in school.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews