Beamon: "It’s been 50 years and I still don’t know how I did it"

Bob Beamon went down in history for achieving the wild record length with 8.90 meters at the 1968 Mexico Games, 55 centimeters above the current record up to that date. That Beamon record stood for 22 years until Mike Powell broke it with an 8.95 at the 1991 Tokyo World Cup. At 75 years old, Beamon is still a legend of the sport and doesn’t want to miss out on celebrating a World Cup set foot on American soil for the first time. The American record holder does not move all day from campus. Follow the morning and afternoon sessions live from the track. And for food, he also stays at the University of Oregon facilities to continue living in the World Cup environment. Beamon had the courtesy of attending Mundo Deportivo, a newspaper in which he is “very fond” because he is the star of the 2021 Grand Gala.

Nice and exciting Mundo Deportivo Grand Gala, right?

Yes, I remember it well. We had fun and I remember the good times. When a newspaper has such an athletic feel, it means it’s a good newspaper. And the fact that you are here following our World Cup proves it. Also, Barcelona is a city I love.

What do you think of this World Cup in Oregon?

I like that very much. I am excited to have a championship like this in our country. We are the number one power in athletics and we have never held a World Cup in the open air. Do you see how many countries we have here? About 200 and all received the same respect from the public. Dude, athletics is the best sport. Here there are no flags or races, everyone is encouraged and respected equally. I am excited that people know what we Americans are and what we are capable of. When he returned to Barcelona, ​​he had a lot of good things to say.

And in 2028 they will organize the Olympic Games in Los Angeles…

Yes and I can’t wait to experience them. I hope my health respects me. They will be great Games, no doubt. And remember what I am telling you, you will have unique experiences and you will remember them for the rest of your life. Los Angeles is working hard to make everything perfect and Americans are really looking forward to hosting the Games on their home turf again.

Speaking of Games, do you still remember Mexico’68?

Of course my friend. They always ask me about those JJ.OOs. and for jumping. That was the great moment of my life. That flight changed everything. How did I do it? More than fifty years have passed and I still don’t know how to explain it. It was a perfect day in a city with perfect altitude and conditions for jumping. I remember facing that jump with great faith. Having faith in what you do is very important.

His record stood for 22 years until Mike Powell took it from him in 1995. Now his record stands the test of time and is still undefeated 31 years later. Do you think it can be overcome?

This is a very difficult question to answer. Powell is undoubtedly a great athlete and his jump is incredible. To overcome this you need to have exceptional athletes and the ones we currently have are good, but not exceptional. The generation of Powell, Pedroso or Lamela is extraordinary. I hope the athlete who reaches nine meters comes out, we need him.

Do we need it?

Yes, athletics needs to have big stars that attract the public. Usain Bolt is a great star and we are suffering in his absence. We miss him already.

Don’t you see any star athletes these days?

It is true that there are some athletes who achieve incredible marks, but they are not Bolt. We need your magic.

Is there a big difference between the athletics practiced in your time and now?

Of course. Now everything is more professional. People are preparing better and with better materials. Perhaps there is too much science and too little faith. Having confidence is essential to achieve great things.