Liberty track star Omari Lewis gains perspective on Olympic dreams as he perseveres through injury and serves his community

Despite missing out on the chance to represent his home nation of Trinidad and Tobago at the 2024 Paris Olympics because of a slight hamstring tear, Liberty University track & field rising junior Omari Lewis continues to keep his faith in God and use his platform to serve his community.

 In his first two seasons as a Flame, Lewis saw immediate athletic success. He currently boasts school records of 6.67 seconds for the men’s indoor 60-meter dash (set Feb. 24, 2024) and a wind-aided 9.88-second time for the men’s outdoor 100-meter (May 12, 2024), good for the fastest in the world at the time. Both numbers improved on previous school records he set in his freshman season and earned him conference titles. He now holds two CUSA titles in addition to the two ASUN titles he earned as a freshman in 2023.

On the heels of this collegiate success and as the No.1 ranked athlete for the 100 in Trinidad and Tobago entering Olympic Trials, Lewis attempted several times to qualify to compete alongside his countrymen in the Paris Olympics in the 4×100-meter relay but to no avail. After a hamstring injury during a competition in Guyana that was further exacerbated during Olympic trials, Lewis finally contented himself with rehabilitating for the upcoming collegiate track & field season. Although he was disappointed to not be representing his country on the world’s largest stage, he was reminded of the spiritual retreat he had taken with Liberty’s track team last fall during which he was encouraged to trust God’s plan for his life.

“You can put in the work and effort, but God’s timing trumps all other things,” he said. “Even with this injury for me, I know that all good athletes go through injuries; (what matters) is how you bounce back from the injury, how you deal with setbacks, and how quickly you bounce back from trials and tribulations. This is me trying to keep a good positive attitude and look forward to whatever God has for me next season.”

Outside of his athletic accomplishments, Lewis has also distinguished himself as a servant leader in the community. He was presented the 2023-24 Conference USA Winter Spirit of Service Award, given to student-athletes with significant community service endeavors, good academic standing and participation in their sport. Lewis currently represents the Flames’ track & field program on Liberty’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. In addition, he participates in the weekly literacy program “Learn Like Liberty” where he reads to local elementary school students.

“Interacting with the children and being a positive influence on them can really provide a good perspective for life,” he said. “It’s something different from what you usually get on a college campus, so I really encourage people to be engaged with the community. That is something I am proud to be doing, and I look forward to doing it the next year.”

He said his passion to serve youth stems from the guidance and advice that he received growing up in Trinidad.

“I want to be able to have that same impact on younger children because I know how valuable it was for me to receive advice and be in the presence of people who are on the right track and had similar goals to my own. Being around them helps shape who you are and your character. I just want to positively impact the people I meet and that includes children.”

Lewis was also named to the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Academic team for the 2023-24 school year. He credited this success to proper time management and a willingness to prioritize his studies. Currently pursuing a B.S. in Business Administration & Data Analysis – Economics, Lewis hasn’t given up on pursuing a professional career in track but remains focused on God’s plan for his life.

“Seeing the importance of an education, I really want to focus on my studies even after my bachelor’s if that is God’s plan for me, which means having strong time management and being willing to put in the extra work. Having a perspective of education will help me understand why we do what we do. A small percentage of track & field athletes go pro, so there is no guarantee, and you aren’t in control if you do. But if that’s not God’s plan for you, that will not happen. So, I really want to make sure I cover all areas and am a well-rounded individual.”

Although Lewis did not qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics, he will still tune in to the women’s 4×100, where his sister Akilah Lewis will compete for Trinidad and Tobago. Akilah, who recently transferred to Liberty from the University of Mississippi, will compete as a Lady Flame next season. She previously won the 4×100 at the 2024 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships with the Rebels.