By Duncan Mackay

Carl Lewis backing Tokyo 2020March 25 - Carl Lewis today backed Tokyo's bid to host the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics after revisiting the Kasumigaoka National Stadium, where he had set a world record in the 100 metres 22 years ago.


The American, one of the greatest Olympians in history having won nine gold medals, returned to the Stadium, which is due to be renovated, on his way back from a trip to north-eastern Japan's quake-struck Tohoku region, where he had conducted a coaching clinic for youngsters. 

The National Stadium is set for major reconstruction after Zaha Hadid, the architect behind the London 2012 Aquatics Centre, was chosen to redesign it. 

It is due to be completed in time for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, which Japan is hosting, and would be the centrepiece if Tokyo is chosen to stage the following year's Olympics and Paralympics.

Carl Lewis backing Tokyo 2020 2 March 25 2013Carl Lewis is backing Tokyo's bid to host the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics

"I'm all for progress," said Lewis.

"I believe in high-technology, I believe in state-of-the art new stadiums for people,

"It makes it more comfortable, and leads to improved performances by the athletes.

"Japan has always been a very high-tech community and I think it will be a showcase for a stadium probably more high-tech than any stadium that's ever been made.

"I think it will be a great place to be.

"It's always wonderful to be back in Japan and I wish them the best of luck because I think they will put on a tremendous Games.

"I will be at the 2020 Games wherever it is, and I hope it's here."

Lewis had visited Tohoku along with Mike Powell, with whom he shared one of the most thrilling competitions in athletics history at the 1991 World Championships in Tokyo. 

It ended with Powell winning the long jump with an effort of 8.95 metres, which finally broke Bob Beamon's legendary world record, which had stood since the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, with Lewis having to settle for the silver medal. 

Earlier in the Championships, Lewis had won the 100m in 9.86sec, an event watched by the Emperor of Japan, calling it the "best race of my life".

Carl Lewis wins 100m World Championships Tokyo 1991Carl Lewis celebrates after setting a world record to win the 100m at the 1991 World Championships in Tokyo

"The fans really know sports and understand the events, and for me it was tremendous because when I came here in 1991 it was just this huge flow of energy and even in the qualifying rounds people came out to watch in the morning and oftentimes that doesn't happen," said Lewis.

"They love sports of all ages and it's not just athletics because it's my sport, it's a lot of the other sports.

"They love the team sports.

"That's the thing about Japan that's tremendous.

"They have had success at every level."

The backing of such a high-profile figure as Lewis is clearly a boost for Tokyo 2020. 

"It is a true honour to welcome the legendary Carl Lewis, without a doubt one of the most accomplished athletes of our generation," said Tsunekazu Takeda, President of both Tokyo 2020 and the Japanse Olympic Committee.

"His strong endorsement of Tokyo echoes the widespread international sentiment for our bid and our goal to deliver a dynamic celebration in the heart of Japan's capital.

"The Tokyo 2020 bid plan is poised to demonstrate Tokyo's unmatched organisational skills that provide athletes with a perfect world stage on which to excel."

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