1988 Carl Lewis Seoul Summer Olympics Race-Worn & Autographed Track Shoes

Carl Lewis’s Mizuno RunBird Track Shoes: A Piece of Athletic History

An Icon of Track and Field

Carl Lewis, a name synonymous with excellence in track and field, dominated the athletic world during the 1980s and early 1990s. With an impressive tally of 10 Olympic medals, including nine golds, Lewis’s legacy is etched in the annals of sports history. His accolades include being named “World Athlete of the Century” by the International Association of Athletics Federations and “Sportsman of the Century” by the International Olympic Committee.

The Mizuno RunBird Track Shoes

The Mizuno “RunBird” track shoes, a testament to Lewis’s illustrious career, are a remarkable piece of sports memorabilia. These shoes, manufactured by Mizuno, feature the “RunBird ATHLETIC FOOTWEAR Mizuno” branding on the tongue and “RunBird” on the heel. The outside heel area of each shoe is embroidered with “C. Lewis” in pink stitching, adding a personal touch to these iconic artifacts.

Significance of the Autographs

Adding to their allure, Carl Lewis personally signed the left shoe with the inscription “100 Meter Seoul,” commemorating his participation in the 1988 Summer Olympics. The right shoe bears another signature, albeit with an illegible inscription. In our expert opinion, the autographs rate a 6 overall, enhancing the shoes’ value as a collectible item.

Provenance and Historical Context

These shoes were sourced from Lewis’s hometown of Willingboro, New Jersey, and are believed to have been worn during one of his preliminary events at the 1988 Summer Olympics. Although Lewis wore Mizuno RunBirds during the infamous 100-Meter gold medal race against Ben Johnson, it is clear that these shoes do not match the colors from that historic race. Nevertheless, they are properly tagged, were presented to us as race-worn, and in our opinion, show appropriate use.

• Historical Significance: Worn by Carl Lewis, a legendary figure in track and field.
• Unique Provenance: Sourced from Lewis’s hometown, adding authenticity and allure.
• Autographed: Signed by Lewis, with inscriptions commemorating his Olympic achievements.
• Condition: Properly tagged and showing signs of appropriate use.

Accompanied Documentation

The shoes come with a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from JSA, along with an additional LOA, further solidifying their status as a valuable collectible. For those interested in acquiring a piece of athletic history, these shoes represent a unique opportunity to own a fragment of Carl Lewis’s legendary career.

Explore more about our consignment opportunities and discover other game-worn items for sale at Grey Flannel Auctions. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a new enthusiast, our auctions offer a chance to own a piece of sports history.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.