Long jump great Powell slams record rewrite plans

Long jump world record-holder Mike Powell said plans to rewrite world records set before 2005 are "a slap in the face" and vowed on Wednesday to fight the move.

Published : May 03, 2017 20:52 IST , London

Mike Powell, who jumped 8.95 metres in August 1991, said the proposals were "disrespectful, an injustice and a slap in the face".
Mike Powell, who jumped 8.95 metres in August 1991, said the proposals were "disrespectful, an injustice and a slap in the face".
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Mike Powell, who jumped 8.95 metres in August 1991, said the proposals were "disrespectful, an injustice and a slap in the face".

Long jump world record-holder Mike Powell said plans to rewrite world records set before 2005 are "a slap in the face" and vowed on Wednesday to fight the move.

Read: Plan revealed to reset existing European records

European Athletics has proposed that only world records that stand up to strict criteria should be recognised in order to make a clean break with the sport's doping scandals.

Also read: Wiping records ‘dishonors’ Flo-Jo, says Joyner

Powell, who jumped 8.95 metres in August 1991, said the proposals were "disrespectful, an injustice and a slap in the face".

"I've already contacted my attorney," the American, 53, told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"There are some records out there that are kind of questionable, I can see that, but mine is the real deal. It's a story of human heart and guts, one of the greatest moments in the sport's history.

"They would be destroying so many things with this decision, without thinking about it. It's wrong. Regardless of what happens, I am going to fight."

Under the proposals, world records will only stand if set at approved international events and if the athletes concerned had undergone a certain number of doping tests prior to competing.

The plans are due to be considered by world governing body the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) in August.

Powell set his world record during a thrilling contest with his United States team-mate Carl Lewis at the 1991 World Championships in Tokyo.

He broke Bob Beamon's mark of 8.90m, which stood for 23 years.

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