tokyo ‘91

Mike Powell triumphed in one of the most exciting field event competitions ever, and finally eclipsed Bob Beamon’s famous feat at the Mexico City 1968 Olympics Games when the American long jumper defeated his compatriot and rival Carl Lewis with a world record leap of 8.95m.

However, Lewis continued to add to lustre to his fabulous career with victories in the 100m and 4x100m in world record times of 9.86 and 37.50.

Algeria’s Hassiba Boulmerka became the first African woman to win a world championships gold medal with a blistering finish in the 1500m, crossing the line in 4:02.21.