Although almost every sprinting and jumping world record was broken in Mexico's thin air, all achievements were overshadowed by American Bob Beamon's "leap for the ages". In a single long jump he improved the world record by 55cm, jumping 8.90 m (29 feet 2.5 inches). Beamon, unfamiliar with metric measurements, was unaware of his record until teammate Ralph Boston turned to him and said, "Bob, you have jumped 29 feet." The news brought Beamon to his knees in tears. "I can't go on. We will all look silly," said 1964 champion Lynn Davies of Great Britain. "We are all as children"' said Russian great Igor Ter-Ovanesyan. Both long jump legends were correct. In succeeding attempts no jumper came within 70cm of Beamon during the competition.

	American Al Oerter's career might be considered somewhat monotonous. At four consecutive Games, (1956-1968) Oerter entered the discus event expected not to win against the world record holder of the time. Oerter, however, always put on a surprise -- always winning gold, always beating the world record holder, and setting an Olympic record every time. In Mexico, with a 64.78m third round throw, Oerter captured his final gold. He is still the only Olympian to win four consecutive gold medals in a track and field event.

When Czechoslovakian gymnast Vera Caslavska spoke out against the Soviet invasion of her she country was forced to temporarily find refuge in a village in the Jeseniky Mountains. Caslavska resumed proper training with the Czechoslavakian Women's Gymnastics team only a few weeks before the opening of the 1968 Games in Mexico City. Nevertheless the Games turned out to be a blazing success for Caslavska. She defended her all-around title and won four gold medals. She became an instant hero with the Mexican fans performing her floor exercise to the tune of the "Mexican Hat Dance". Finally she capped a successful week by marrying Jozef Oldozil, the great Czechoslovakian 1,500 m runner (silver medalist in 1964).