Smile-Worthy Olympic Moments

#8: Ready…Set…FLY?!

The long jump has given the internet troves of amazing and comical photos. As part of the Summer Olympics since 1896, the record set by Bob Beamon in 1968 is a gravity-defying 29.3 ft! He held his record for over twelve years, the longest of any Olympic record ever.

The United States currently dominates this event, with over 22 gold medals. They’ve only lost gold six times since this event started over a century ago. Overall, the US has a whopping 47 Olympic medals in this event, with Britain and East Germany limping into second with four each. GO USA!