Long Jump World Record History: From 1864 to Mike Powell's 8.95m (2026)

By Sarah Miller · May 26, 2026

The Current World Record

Mike Powells 8.95 meters, set at the 1991 World Championships in Tokyo, remains the long jump world record. This mark broke Bob Beamons legendary 8.90m that had stood for 23 years, and Powells record has now lasted over 30 years.

Early Records 1864-1900

The first recorded long jump world record was 5.33m by F.J. Van Milligan in 1864. By 1900, the record had been pushed to 7.61m by Irish-American Peter OConnor. Early jumpers used simple running approaches without the sophisticated takeoff techniques used today.

Jesse Owens 8.13m in 1935

On May 25, 1935, Jesse Owens set a world record of 8.13m at the Big Ten Championships in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This record stood for 25 years and was one of four world records Owens set in a single afternoon, one of the greatest days in athletics history.

Bob Beamons Miracle 8.90m in 1968

At the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, Bob Beamon jumped 8.90m, 55cm beyond the existing record. Officials had to use a steel tape measure because the optical measuring equipment did not extend that far. At 7,349 feet altitude with a 2.0 m/s tailwind, conditions were optimal, but the jump was pure talent.

The Tokyo Duel Powell vs Lewis 1991

The 1991 World Championships final is considered the greatest long jump competition ever. Carl Lewis jumped a wind-legal 8.91m his best ever, but Mike Powell responded with 8.95m. Lewis also jumped 8.87m that day. Three of the top five longest legal jumps in history occurred in this single competition.

Why Hasnt the Record Been Broken?

Several factors explain the records longevity: fewer elite athletes focus on long jump as many choose sprinting for better financial returns, modern anti-doping regulations may affect performance, and the combination of speed, technique, and ideal conditions required is extraordinarily rare.

Womens World Record

Galina Chistyakova from the USSR set the womens record at 7.52m in 1988. Like the mens record, it has stood for decades. The closest approach since was Jackie Joyner-Kersees 7.49m in 1994.