Bob Beamon Becomes New Chief Executive at Olympians Museum

August 29, 2011

Olympic Gold Medallist Bob Beamon jumped into a new career as the new chief executive of Art at the Olympians Museum and Gallery at the Al Oerter Center for Excellence in Fort Myers in Florida.

Cathy Oerter the wife of the late four-time Olympic champion in the discus throw Al Oerter, praised the American just before he took the post.

“My late husband, Al, had known Bob since the early 60s,” she said.

“I know Bob will continue to cultivate Al’s passion for arts and sports to motivate and encourage others to achieve their best.”

Beamon broke the long jump world record in the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City by jumping 8.90 metres, one of the most famous performances in the history of the sport.

The achievement went unchallenged for 23 years until Mike Powell broke it in 1991, making Beamon the second longest holder of the record behind Jesse Owens who held the record for 25 years from 1935 to 1960.

Beamon post athletic career went on to promote athletics to youngsters with former Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as hosting the South Florida Inner City Games and the Bob Beamon United Way Golf Classic.

He has since been elected into the USA Track & Field and US Olympic hall of fames, and served as the director of the athletic development at Florida Atlantic University, and the associate athletic director at Chicago State University.

“It is a tremendous honour to carry on the legacy of the great Al Oerter, the legendary four-time Olympic gold medal discus thrower,” Beamon said.

“I’m looking forward to working with the board, donors, volunteers and the community to maximise AOTO’s strengths while promoting the Olympic ideals and values.”