US Olympic superstar Carl Lewis enters politics

Carl Lewis

MOUNT HOLLY, N.J, (Reuters) – Olympic track  superstar Carl Lewis jumped into a race for New Jersey state  Senate yesterday, saying he wanted to help struggling children,  families and seniors in the region where he grew up.

Carl Lewis

Lewis, 49, announced that he will be running as a Democrat  to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Dawn Addiego in the  heavily Republican area about 25 miles (40 kilometres) east of  Philadelphia.

“When I run — you can see my record — I run to win,”  Lewis told a news conference outside Mount Holly’s historic  courthouse.

Lewis, a nine-time Olympic gold medalist, has been living  in the state where he grew up since 2005.

A political novice, Lewis said he was running to help young  people, improve education and aid senior citizens. A detailed  platform will be coming soon, he said.

“My focus will be on children, on the future,” he said. “We  cannot rest until we make sure that our families can afford to  live and raise their kids here, that our seniors can remain in  their homes and afford their health and pharmaceutical costs.”

He quoted his late father, choking up as he said he had  been told: “Do what you think is right. Follow your head.”

Lewis cut off questions from the media, saying he had to  get to track practice at the high school in nearby Willingboro,  where he grew up. He serves as a volunteer coach.

Lewis is considered one of the best track and field  athletes ever produced by the United States. He won Olympic  gold medals in the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump and sprint  relay.