1991 World Championships in Athletics – Men's long jump in this competition; the still best and still third best wind-legal jumps in history; and the best two long jumps not aided by altitude. Carl Lewis' record at the time was: two time Olympic Gold Medalist, two time World Champion (in the era when it was also still a once-every-4-year event) and, having been undefeated in ten years, he was deservedly considered the best long jumper in the world. Lewis had set the World Record in the 100 metres sprint 5 days earlier. Lewis was in the lead through four rounds: his first round jump of 8.68 set a new
Carl Lewis was noted that he could become the athlete with the most Olympic gold medals if he entered the 4 × 100 m relay team. Any member of the American Olympic men's track and field team could be used, even if they had not qualified for the relay event. Lewis said, "If they asked me, I'd run it in a second. But they haven't asked me to run it." He further suggested on "Larry King Live" that viewers phone the United States Olympic Committee to weigh in on the situation. Lewis had skipped the mandatory relay training camp and demanded to