Carl Lewis
9-Time Olympic Gold Medalist; Activist for Issues Focusing on Family, Youth, Education, Wellness & Fitness
Biography
Carl Lewis is one of the greatest Olympians of all time. An activist for pressing issues of today including family, youth, education, wellness and fitness, Lewis brings his international celebrity to attract awareness for the challenges and opportunities surrounding these concerns around the world. Throughout his career as an Olympic athlete, Lewis was part of five American Olympic Teams, winning ten medals, nine of them gold. With unsurpassed talent in the long jump and his speed in the sprints, he has gone places where no other track and field athlete has ever visited. His five Olympic appearances are a record for a male athlete, and many of his Olympic performances were in world or Olympic record time. His impressive track and field performances earned Lewis world renowned fame and instant name recognition as one of the greatest athletes of our time. Since his retirement from active competition in 1997 Lewis has devoted a great deal of his time and energy to charity, founding “The Carl Lewis Foundation,” which serves as an umbrella for the many charities that Lewis supports including the College Fund (formerly known as the United Negro College Fund), The Wendy Marx Foundation (for organ donor awareness) and the UNCF Walkathon in Houston. He also established his entertainment business, the Carl Lewis Entertainment Group, which focuses on his acting career, film production, and The Carl Lewis International Track & Field Camp and Festival. In his speeches, Carl Lewis, having lived his life saying “I Can Do That,” shows audiences how they too “Can Do That.” Carl is an activist for issues focusing on Family, Youth, Education, Wellness and Fitness; he brings his international celebrity to attract audiences, and awareness to these issues around the world.
Speech Topics
Giving Back
An activist for family, youth, education, wellness and fitness, Carl Lewis brings his international celebrity to attract awareness for the challenges and opportunities surrounding these issues around the world.
Taking Command You Can Do That
Carl Lewis, having lived his life saying "I Can Do That," shows audiences what it takes to win, overcome the odds and develop a champion mindset.
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Carl Lewis's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Carl Lewis's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Carl Lewis for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Carl Lewis's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Carl Lewis through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
Speakers Like Carl Lewis

Darren Woodson
•Three-time Super Bowl champion and five-time Pro Bowl selection •An NFL analyst who appears on NFL Live, SportsCenter, and other ESPN platforms throughout the year •As an entrepreneur in tech, e-commerce and real estate, Darren brings lessons of the gridiron and the corner office to audiences with his signature high energy and knowledge to create a culture of excellence in your team and your business
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Sugar Ray Leonard
Legendary sports icon, Olympic champion and Hall of Famer, philanthropist, bestselling author, television personality, ringside analyst and longtime face of Skechers’ popular Relaxed Fit collections, Sugar Ray Leonard has established a legacy that epitomizes boxing and invokes the reverence of a champion. Sugar Ray Leonard’s raw and uplifting memoir reveals in intimate detail for the first time the complex human who waged his own personal battle with depression, rage, addiction and greed, that lay behind the champion.
Fee Range: Inquire
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Magic Johnson
Earvin “Magic” Johnson is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Magic Johnson Enterprises, an investment conglomerate that provides high-quality products and services that focus primarily on ethnically diverse and underserved urban communities. Having left the basketball court for the boardroom, Johnson parlayed the skills and tenacity he acquired on the court into a winning formula for his successful business ventures. In his presentations, Magic Johnson inspires audiences with the story of his stunning ascent, his philosophy for success, and his vision for a bright and promising future.
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Emmitt Smith
Emmitt Smith’s name is synonymous with success in many realms....football, family, business and philanthropy. The leadership and dedication that led him to be the NFL’s All-Time Leading Rusher is also found within his entrepreneurial and charitable spirits. Emmitt has made an impact on the NFL that few players can match at any position or in any era. Off the field, Emmitt is dedicated to helping change the lives of America’s youth through initiatives such as The Open Doors Foundation, a not-for-profit supporting organization established to build well-rounded, motivated and empowered youth. He also works with children through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Salvation Army, and Ronald McDonald House Charities. He is the 2007 winner of Dancing With the Stars; and has partnered wtih Roger Staubach in real estate development endeavors. As a motivational speaker, Emmitt addresses the topics of leadership, teamwork, discipline and winning.
Fee Range: $40,000–$75,000
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