Olympian Carl Lewis is the first sports star featured in the “Legends of LA” video series released Tuesday by LA 2024.
The committee leading Los Angeles’ bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics also plans videos on Kobe Bryant, Wayne Gretzky, Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Cobi Jones.
The video features Lewis, who is also on the LA 2024 Athletes Advisory Commission, walking through the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and talking about his memories of competing at the venue in the 1984 Games, as well as his desire to see the Olympics return to the city.
Lewis won nine gold medal in track and field, including four at the ’84 Games.
“We are thrilled to introduce the `Legends of LA’ video series, and shine a spotlight on our city’s most beloved temples of sport through the eyes of legendary athletes who have thrilled capacity crowds within their walls,” said Janet Evans, LA 2024 vice chair and director of athlete relations.
“These videos not only remind us of LA’s abundance of state-of-the-art sporting infrastructure, which would make LA 2024 the lowest-risk Games in history, but they are also a further reflection of our bid committee’s commitment to connecting the Games with the next generation,” said Evans, who won four gold medals in swimming events at the 1988 and 1992 Olympics.
Los Angeles is competing with Paris to host the 2024 Olympics, although it is possible it will be awarded the 2028 Games. The host city will be announced by the International Olympic Committee in September.
—City News Service