Carl Lewis picked for USATF Panel

Carl Lewis, winner of nine Olympic gold medals, has been selected as a member of USA Track and Field's seven-person audit panel, chief executive Doug Logan announced on his blog on Monday.

The committee will analyze the selection process for the team, coaching and preparation for international competitions. Members will also study the performance of the Beijing team, in particular national relay team preparation and training.

The US contingent won 23 medals - the most of any country - but will be remembered more for dropping the baton in both the men's and women's 400-meter preliminaries.

The panel also includes gold medalist Benita Fitzgerald Mosley, silver medalist Ralph Mann, 1992 Olympic men's coach Mel Rosen and US

Olympic Committee executives Doug Ingram, Steve Roush and Jay Warwick.

"This group knows success in sports on a personal basis and all know what it takes to achieve the highest results," Logan wrote. "We are thankful that they have chosen to serve us."

The committee will begin work immediately and report directly to Logan. He hopes to receive a copy of the panel's findings by Jan. 12.

Lewis, a former world record-holder in the 100 meters, is one of just two men to capture nine gold medals in Olympic athletics competition.

Fitzgerald Mosley won the gold in the 100 hurdles in 1984, while Mann took home silver in the 400 hurdles at the '72 Games. He's also a renowned sports scientist.

Rosen's men's team in '92 won 20 medals, setting world records in both relays.