Sotomayor had broken his own world record in 1993, jumping 2.45 metres for a mark that is still standing in 2021; however, he was suffering from an ankle injury in Atlanta. Austin, by contrast, had recovered from injuries that had limited him.
Sotomayor's achievement in 1993 was remarkable, as he cleared 2.45 metres and maintained the record through 2021; nonetheless, he was coping with an ankle injury while participating in the competition in Atlanta. Conversely, Austin had overcome his physical limitations after being limited by injuries.