Long Jump, Men

The 1988 US Olympic Trials featured the greatest long jump dual ever to that date. Carl Lewis and Larry Myricks finished 1-2 with the two longest non-Beamon marks ever – 8.76 (28-9) and 8.74 (28-8¼). The Seoul long jump was eagerly awaited, and the third American, Mike Powell, was also considered a challenger. Lewis opened with 8.41 (27-7¼) in the final. He jumped last in the order, although he had been drawn for first. But the long jump final began within an hour of his 200 round and he petitioned to jump last, which was granted. In rounds two and three, he improved with 8.56 (28-1) and 8.52 (27-11½), the second round 8.56 (28-1) wind-aided. Those were good enough for the gold medal. But getting ready for the fourth round, a new official told Lewis he now had to jump first, not last. He argued that he should be given extra time to recover from his third-round jump, but was rebuffed. A long jump clock malfunction gave him some extra time and he responded with 8.72 (28-7½), winning the event easily with a dominant series. Powell won silver and Myricks bronze as the Americans swept the medals.