Bob Beamon

“It was a supernatural jump.”

“It destroyed me. When I saw it on the board, I felt like I was going to have a heart attack.”

“When I got on the plane to go to Mexico City, I had a dream that I was going to break the world record, but I didn't think it would be by that much.”

“The first thing that entered my mind was, 'Don't foul.'”

“Make a history of yourself.”

“You are the one who has to be in control of your life. You have to define who you are.”

“I wasn't really sure what the metric system was. All I knew was that I was the first 29-foot jumper.”

“I had to take my mind and put it in a place where it was totally clear.”

“Everybody's a role model. You're a role model to your younger brother or sister.”

“Don't be afraid to be great.”

“I knew it was a good jump, but I had no idea it was that good.”

“The jump was an accident, a freak of nature.”

“I never jumped that far again. It was just one of those things.”

“I think the Olympics are a wonderful metaphor for life. You have to set high goals, you have to be disciplined, and you have to work hard.”