All athletics events have been a part of the modern Olympic Games which started in 1896. On the biggest stage in world sports, an athlete dreams of winning a gold medal at the track and field events. Some even hope to get the world record in their name. While records are meant to be broken, a track and field record has remained unbroken since 1968. The astonishing record belongs to American long jump athlete Bob Beaman, who made everyone's jaw drop by jumping 8.90 metre in long jump event at the 1968 Mexico Olympic Games.
Beamon’s fairytale jump
Beaman was on a winning streak. Before the Olympic Games, he participated in 23 tournaments that year and emerged victorious in 22. He was a favourite to win the gold at the Olympics as well. However, he missed the first two chances in the qualifying rounds. His spot in the finals was cemented by an 8.19 metre jump. It was his third and last chance. He followed it up with a long jump of 8.90 metres and surpassed the world record by a margin of 55 cm. He jumped so far that the machine failed to measure the distance and it was later measured with the help of a steel tape.
Who broke the record?
The world record is yet to be broken at the Olympics. But, an American athlete Mike Powell bettered it in the 1991 World Championships. He jumped 8.95 metres to break the 23-year-old record.
Who was Beaman?
Beaman was born on 1946 in New York City. When he was not even a year old, his morther Naomi Beaman died of tuberculosis. His father had an alchohol addition. As a result, Beaman started living with his grandmother Bessie. Beaman went to study at Jamaica High school where he met Larry Ellis, a well-knock coach of track events. Ellis recongised his talent and Beaman got a scholarship for track and field at the Texas University.
Picked by NBA team?
After winning the gold at the Olympics, he was signed by the NBA team 'Phoenix Suns'. However, he did not play a single game in the season. In 1972, he obtained a degree in Sociology from Adelphi University, New York. Beaman has continued to inspire young athletes and worked with many universities.
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