Origins & Early Life

Robert Beamon (born August 29, 1946) 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. By jumping 8.90 m (29 ft 2+1⁄4 in), he broke the existing record by a margin of 55 cm (21+3⁄4 in) and his world record stood for almost 23 years until it was broken in 1991 by Mike Powell. The jump is still the Olympic record and the second-longest in history unassisted by wind. Robert Beamon was born in South Jamaica, Queens, New York, to Naomi Brown Beamon and grew up in the New York Housing Authority's Jamaica Houses.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

When Beamon was eleven 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 Beamon was attending Jamaica High School, Larry Ellis, a renowned track coach, discovered him. Beamon later became part of the All-American track and field team. Beamon began his college career at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University to be close to his ill grandmother. After her death, he transferred to the University of Texas at El Paso, where he received a track and field...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adam Michnik — Contemporary (Born in 1946) (1946): Prominent Polish intellectual, dissident, and journalist advocating for democracy.
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• Alan Rickman — Contemporary (Born in 1946) (1946): Iconic English actor celebrated for his distinctive voice and powerful stage presence.
• Alfred Peet — Shared historical date (08-29 · Died) (2007): Dutch-American founder credited with starting the US specialty coffee revolution.
• Éamon de Valera — Shared historical date (08-29 · Died) (1975): Dominant Irish statesman, leading figure in the establishment of modern Irish governance.
• André the Giant — Historical peer (Born in 1946) (1946): French wrestler and actor, famed for his colossal size and wrestling career.
• Antony Beevor — Historical peer (Born in 1946) (1946): Acclaimed British military historian specializing in WWII and the Russian Revolution.
• Ajay Devgn — Historical peer (Born in 1968) (1968): Veteran Indian actor and filmmaker known for diverse roles in Hindi cinema.
• Anastacia — Historical peer (Born in 1968) (1968): American singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice and 'sprock' fusion.
• Abby Stein — Historical peer (Born in 1991) (1991): Israeli-American author, rabbi, and activist who speaks on faith and gender identity.
• 1946 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1946
• August 29 (08-29) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on August 29