The Olympic Showdown

The 1988 Seoul Olympics featured a highly anticipated race between American sprinter Carl Lewis and Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson, who emerged as a formidable rival after previously winning the world championship. The race unfolded dramatically, with Johnson initially taking the lead and ultimately winning with a world record time of 9.79 seconds, while Lewis secured second place and a silver medal. The intense rivalry between the two athletes was underscored by Lewis's frustrations with Johnson, including suspicions of doping, as he observed changes in Johnson's performance and physique. Both athletes would later find themselves embroiled in controversies that would forever alter the narrative surrounding their Olympic legacies and the integrity of the sport itself.