During his speech, Lewis spoke about his rise to stardom at the University of Houston, achieving success at the Olympics, and looking back on his journey. “It’s been 20 years since I retired, so things like this don’t happen much anymore,” Lewis said in accepting the award. “Generally, I’m here clapping for somebody else…This award is the most interesting to me, at this point in my life. I’m coaching now, something I thought I would never do. I’m happy, it keeps me young.”