Reaching soaring heights gives you a platform to speak your mind without holding. And 9x Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis has never been one to mince his words. From slamming the Diamond League for its troublesome broadcasting policy to shedding light on the issues that prevail in track and field, the veteran Olympian is never shy about speaking his mind. However, it seems like the modern fans aren’t too fussy about giving Lewis the importance that he used to enjoy.

While the American track and field legend has achieved incredible feats during his career, doping allegations have cast a long shadow over Lewis’ legacy. And yet, his being among the only six athletes to win gold in the same event in four consecutive Olympics has given Carl a status that few can rival. Still, as the 63-year-old star takes a stern decision, fans aren’t entirely convinced that he should be given enough attention over it.

On November 22, Lewis took to X to announce his decision to show himself out of the Elon Musk-owned platform. “I’ve made the decision to leave X at the end of November,” wrote the New Jersey resident, while also noting that he will still be available to follow elsewhere. Considering that Lewis is a 9-time Olympic champ along with even more World Championships accolades under his belt, his insights into the sports are something that many rising athlete aspire to make use of. Subsequently, the decorated Olympian also highlighted why he’s decided to move over from X once and for all.

“It is clear that this site and it’s owner have no interest in my shared humanity so there is no reason to use it,” elaborated Carl Lewis in his latest social media update. But it looks like fans are having none of it, and some are even happy to know that he will be stopping his activities on the Tesla owner’s site.

“Good riddance,” wrote one fan, who seems to be stoked that Lewis won’t be on X anymore, despite the fact that others may actually miss the retired track and field icon. This year too, Lewis expressed his concerns over World Athletics fidgeting with the “take-off zone” rules in long jump events, taking a stand for the athletes. And yet, this fan isn’t at all sad to see the University of Houston leave X. And other fans also seem to be in agreement.

The track and field community doesn’t have any kind words to spare for Carl Lewis

Another X user listed various steps by Musk to highlight that the business tycoon and X owner also has the thought of helping people. “No interest in your shared humanity,” grumbled the fan, pondering whether Musk doesn’t cater to Lewis’ needs altogether. With Carl breathing down upon the Diamond League’s neck, the track and field tournament’s organizers got around the mend their ways and announced that athletes would receive bigger payouts across all 14 meets in the future (the prize for the winners being bumped up to $500,000). But the fact that Lewis will lose one platform to put forward his demands isn’t enough for this fan to look at him with a sympathizing eye.

Another fan suggested that Lewis’ statement reeks of naivety and that he should do something about it. “Educate and return,” reads the comment of this fan. During his time on the field, Carl bagged multiple Olympic and World Championships medals in both sprinting as well as in long-jumping events. But this fan believes Lewis still has some more learning to do.

“Why not just leave today?” enquired another fan, underscoring that the track star won’t be one to be missed on X. Reflecting a similar thought, another fan also commented, “You won’t be missed.” But will you have one lesser person to follow on X? Or are you also indifferent about Lewis’ decision? Tell us in the comments!