Bob Beamon turns 66 today. The name Bob Beamon brings to mind one thing. 1968 Mexico City Olympics. Bob Beamon’s long jump. He didn’t break the record he smashed it. He jumped 29 feet and 2 1/2 inches. He broke the record by nearly 2 feet. His record would stand for 22 years. When he realized what he had done, he fell to his knees, his body unable to support itself. He put his hands over his face. His competitors had to help him to his feet. The defending Olympic champion in the event Lynn Davies told him “You have destroyed this event” Mike Powell would break the record in 1991. Beamon’s jump is still the Olympic Record. Sports Illustrated named Bob Beamon’s jump as one of the 5ive greatest sports moments of the 20th century. Enough said. The Leap of the Century.
link to the video below
slicethelife 
this may be the olympic record forever. i remember seeing powell break this in 91.
it did not happen in the olympics but the high jump world record has not been touched in 18 years. javier sotomayor just slightly over 8 feet or 2.45m
Living in the French Quarter BITD. Watched this live on TV.
OMGssshhh- you are “hanspostcard??” Thanks for visiting my site. I absolutely love yours. This photo is awesome! Fella is flyin’ fo’ sho! Haha…
Thank you.. Yes he was flying! I think he just landed!! amazing jump!! I enjoyed looking at your site also…will continue to do so!