Definition of The Leap of the Century

"The leap of the century" refers to Bob Beamon's extraordinary long jump at the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games. On October 18, 1968, Beamon made history with a jump that shattered the existing world record by a staggering margin.

Before Beamon's jump, the long jump world record was 8.35 meters, set by Ralph Boston of the United States and Igor Ter-Ovanesyan of the Soviet Union. Beamon's jump measured an incredible 8.90 meters, surpassing the previous record by 55 centimeters. This feat was unprecedented in track and field history.

The high altitude of Mexico City (2,240 meters or 7,350 feet above sea level) created favorable conditions for jumping events. Additionally, a slight tailwind within the legal limit (2 meters per second) aided Beamon's jump.

The distance of Beamon's jump was so extraordinary that the optical measuring device used at the event could not measure it. Officials had to use a steel tape measure to confirm the distance.

Bob Beamon's record stood for 23 years until Mike Powell broke it in 1991 with a jump of 8.95 meters. Despite this, Beamon's leap remains one of the most iconic moments in Olympic history.