Bob Beamon is an American former track and field athlete best known for his record-shattering long jump at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. On October 18, 1968, Beamon jumped 8.90 meters (29 feet, 2.5 inches), breaking the previous world record by an astonishing 55 cm (21.75 inches). His jump was so far beyond expectations that the optical measuring device at the stadium couldn’t register it, and officials had to use a manual steel tape to confirm the distance.
Beamon’s record stood for nearly 23 years until Mike Powell broke it in 1991. His achievement gave rise to the term “Beamonesque,” used to describe performances that exceed all expectations.