16 Facts About Bob Beamon

Robert Beamon was born on August 29,1946 and is an American former track and field athlete, best known for his world record in the long jump at the Mexico City Olympics in 1968.

Robert Bob Beamon was born in South Jamaica, Queens, New York, to Naomi Brown Bob Beamon and grew up in the New York Housing Authority's Jamaica Houses.

When Bob Beamon was eight months old, his mother died from tuberculosis, and, as a result of his stepfather's incarceration, he was placed into the care of his maternal grandmother, Bessie.

When Bob Beamon was attending Jamaica High School, Larry Ellis, a renowned track coach, discovered him.

Bob Beamon later became part of the All-American track and field team.

Bob Beamon began his college career at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University to be close to his ill grandmother.

In 1965, Bob Beamon set a national high school triple jump record and was second in the long jump.

Bob Beamon came close to missing the Olympic final, overstepping on his first two attempts in qualifying.

When his teammate and coach Ralph Boston told him that he had broken the world record by nearly two feet, his legs gave way and an astonished and overwhelmed Bob Beamon suffered a brief cataplexy attack brought on by the emotional shock, and collapsed to his knees, his body unable to support itself, placing his hands over his face.

Shortly after the Mexico City Olympics, Bob Beamon was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the 15th round of the 1969 NBA draft but never played in an NBA game.

In 1977, Bob Beamon became a track coach at Alliant International University in San Diego.

Bob Beamon has worked in various roles to promote youth athleticism, including collaborations with former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bob Beamon's work at the athletic programs of several universities.

Bob Beamon is a graphic artist with work exhibited by the Art of the Olympians, and was the former chief executive of the Art of the Olympians Museum in Fort Myers, Florida.

In 2024, Bob Beamon played percussion on a hip-hop jazz recording.

Bob Beamon is a Global Ambassador for Special Olympics International.

Bob Beamon is in the National Track and Field Hall of Fame, and when the United States Olympic Hall of Fame started to induct athletes in 1983, Bob Beamon was one of the first inductees.