Higher with each effort

The jump events have seen records that have stood for decades. As the Rio Games approach, HT looks at the history of the key jump events in the Olympics:

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The jump events have seen records that have stood for decades. As the Rio Games approach, HT looks at the history of the key jump events in the Olympics:

LONG JUMP

Long jump has been part of Olympics programme from the first edition in 1896. America has dominated this discipline, winning a majority of medals.

CROSSING A BARRIER

American Jesse Owens was the first to breach the 8m barrier in long jump as he won gold in 1936 at 8.06 metres. It remained the Olympic record till 1960 when compatriot Ralph Boston leapt 8.12 metres.

LEAP OF THE CENTURY

American Bob Beamon’s record jump of 8.90m in Mexico is a mark that has stood for the last 48 years. Though Mike Powell bettered the World record to 8.95m, the Olympic record stands in Beamon’s name. Beamon was helped by the high altitude of Mexico City and the maximum permissible tail wind of 2m/s.

KING CARL’S DOMAIN

Another versatile athlete who also ruled supreme in short sprints, Carl Lewis won the long jump gold medal in four consecutive Olympics — from 1984 in Los Angeles to Atlanta in 1996. He had a close battle with compatriot Mike Powell in 1988 and 1992 and emerged winner on both occasions. Lewis’s is a remarkable feat as no one has been able to win gold even in two consecutive Olympics. He has won a total of nine Olympic gold medals.

23 YEARS

The period for which Bob Beamon’s world record stood. The second best Olympic long jump was achieved by Carl Lewis (8.72m) in Seoul, 1988

25 YEARS

The period for which Mike Powell’s World Record of 8.95m in long jump, set at the 1991 Tokyo World Championships, has stood

21

Editions out of 27 Olympic Games in which US athletes have bagged the long jump gold medal