World Record: Bob Beamon, United States 8.90m Mexico City, Mexico 18th October 1968
Championship Record: Carl Lewis, United States 8.55m Helsinki, Finland 10th August 1983
An expectant crowd hoped to see Lewis threaten Bob Beamon’s world record of 8.90. The American, weakened by an upset stomach, did not get the record but retained his title with a brilliant series: 8.67, 8.65, 8.67, 8.43, foul, 8.60. The silver went to Emmiyan, who closed on Lewis with 8.53 in the fourth round but had four other fouls.
According to the IAF Scientific Report of the championship, Lewis actually cleared 8.84 on his first jump. This distance includes two centimetres “lost” on the take-off board and another 15 in the sand. His other “effective” distances were 8.68, 8.67, 8.64 and 8.76.
There was a keen battle for the bronze behind Lewis and Emmiyan. Evangelisti, jumping first in each round, moved into third place with 8.19 in round three. Two jumps later, Myricks overtook the Italian with 8.23. He improved to 8.33 in the fifth andlooked set for a medal. Evangelisti responded with a good effort on his last try, and the crowd were delighted when 8.38 flashed on the scoreboard.
However, those watching the contest closely felt that the Italian had not landed that far into the pit. There were allegations that the officials had produced a false measurement and the Italian Athletics Federation (FIDAL) requested that the three IAAF Technical Delegates to the championships should investigate. They reported to the IAAF Council meeting in December 1987 that “this competition was correctly conducted and the final result was not to be changed.” However, computer analysis - largely performed by the Italian media - appeared to show that Evangelisti’s final leap was no better than 8.15. The Italian Olympic Committee investigated the affair and in March 1988 concluded that FIDAL officials had conspired to falsify the measurement of Evangelisti’s jump in order to ensure a medal for Italy. It was reported that film taken during the women’s shot ceremony appeared to show an official in the background placing a marker in the sand and measuring a distance before the final jump of Evengelisti.
The next IAAF Council Meeting - at London in April 1988 - noted: “It had become clear that serious doubts had arisen concerning the sixth jump of Giovanni Evangelisti (ITA). As a result, and exceptionally, the Council has decided unanimously: - 1) Notwithstanding the present IAAF Rules, to ignore the sixth jump of Evangelisti and to adjust the result accordingly; 2) To examine the IAAF Rules regarding protests.” Myricks was duly awarded a bronze medal.
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