Carl Lewis Says He Will Go All Out in Pursuit of Long Jump Record at UCLA

Carl Lewis has targeted the Pepsi meet Saturday, May 18, at UCLA’s Drake Stadium for an all-out assault on Bob Beamon’s world long jump record.

Beamon’s mark of 29-2 1/2 was set in the 7,500-foot altitude of Mexico City in the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games. When it was set, it exceeded the world record by almost two feet and was considered unassailable.

But then Lewis burst on the track scene and now the mark is considered within Lewis’ range. Lewis says the long jump pits at UCLA, site of the Pepsi meet, and at Indianapolis are the best in the country.

Lewis’ performances in the Pepsi meets the last three years substantiates the site as one of the most desirable. Lewis leaped 28-7 in the 1984 Pepsi meet, the fourth-best jump in track and field history.

And he jumped 28-3 in the 1982 Pepsi meet and 28-1 the following year. All rank among the top dozen winning long jumps in history.

In the 1984 Pepsi meet, Lewis had a jump of perhaps 29-6 only to foul by less than an inch.

At this year’s Pepsi meet, Lewis will be able to devote full attention to the quest of Beamon’s record. He will compete only in the long jump and there will be no trials, only finals, in the long jump.