Tartan track instead of long jump pit: Athletics legend Bob Beamon visited the Special Olympics World Games – and took part right away.
“It’s my first 100-meter dash in over 50 years. I was a long jumper too, after all,” Beamon said happily of his start in a 4x100m relay at the Unified Experience.
The 76-year-old has felt connected to the World Games for people with mental and multiple disabilities since the beginning. “These in Berlin are really not my first Special Olympics,” said the American: “A family member of mine competed in the Special Olympics in 1968 and won a gold medal. I also won one at the Olympic Games. That was a nice thing for my family.” Back then, Beamon won gold in Mexico City with his legendary 8.90 m.
“A lot has been achieved,” said Beamon of the Special Olympics. “But we still have a lot of work to do.”