Bob Beamon's 'jump of the century' Olympic gold sells for $441,000

AFP | New York

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

US long jumper Bob Beamon parted with the Olympic gold medal he won at the 1968 Mexico City summer games leaping 29 feet -- the standing Olympic record -- for $441,000 yesterday.

"It's time for me to pass it on," the 77-year-old told AFP, ahead of the award's auction by Christie's on Thursday in New York. Beamon's historic leap -- technically at 8.9 meters, or 29 feet and 2 1/4 inches -- shattered the previous record by nearly 22 inches.

It remained a world record until the 1991 Tokyo World Championships, and still stands as the top Olympic jump. Amid a growing sports memorabilia market, the experts at Christie's had valued it between $400,000 and $600,000.

"The auction was an excellent way to showcase the medal, but also to preserve the memories of it," Beamon told AFP, adding he hoped it would go to a buyer who "understands the significance of athletic achievement."