Nineteen of those eligible to compete had cleared at 2.21 or better prior
to the Games, headed by Tarmak at 2.25. A record 14 men cleared 2.15,
but nine of those missed at 2.18, the most notable failures being
Kęstutis Šapka (URS/LTU) and Hungary’s stiff-backed István Major –
both “floppers”. All four successes had been first-time jumps, but no-
one got over 2.21 first time.
Tarmak was first to clear with his left leg lead straddle, while Junge
also cleared second time from the other side of the run-up apron. The
18 year-old Stones then cleared, leaving the bar quivering. Tarmak was
the only man to get over 2.23.