2023-05-01 16:58:37
Ralph Boston, Olympic champion in 1960, died at the age of 83. The American had broken the long jump world record six times.
A long jump legend has joined the stars. Ralph Boston, Olympic champion at the Rome Olympics in 1960, died on Sunday April 30, 2023 at the age of 83 following a stroke. Boston, Olympic silver medalist in 1964 then bronze in 1968, broke Jesse Owens’ world record shortly before winning gold in Rome, jumping 8.21 meters long.
Boston broke the world record in the discipline six times, raising it to 8.35 m, before legend Bob Beamon erased it from the shelves. Born in Mississippi, Boston also won two Pan American Games titles, in 1963 and 1967.
Carl Lewis’ tribute to his idol
Athletics legend Carl Lewis shared his pain. “I am devastated by the disappearance of Ralph Boston, Lewis wrote on his social media. When I was a child, I idolized him. He had a major influence on my life. I will miss his voice and his support. He made a difference as an athlete and a mentor. Jumpers, know his name! May he rest with the great.»
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