Olympic living legend Bob Beamon, renowned for his “Beamonesque” long jump that shattered records in 1968, drums to a different beat at 77.
Reliving Olympic glory at Paris 2024
Sports enthusiasts globally have their eyes glued to Paris 2024, eagerly watching events unfold. As a fan of track and field myself, the athletics Opening Day at the Stade de France was a thrilling watch, made even more significant as Bob Beamon graced the stadium to officially open the track and field competition. Performing the French traditional “coup de baton”, Beamon’s rhythmic taps on the ground with a “brigadier” marked the start of the games - an honour truly befitting an Olympic titan.
A giant leap into history
The year 1968 marked a hallmark in Olympic history with Beamon’s groundbreaking long jump of 8.90 meters (29 feet 2½ inches) during the Mexico City Games. This record, beaten only twice since outside the Olympics, led to the birth of the term ‘Beamonesque’, symbolising extraordinary achievements.
“I got a call from Webster’s saying, ‘We put your name in the dictionary, and it means outstanding, unbelievable,’” Beamon reminisced. I never even had a library card. Being an athlete and having your name in the dictionary describing the things you’ve done: it’s just as great as winning a gold medal.”
Triumph over trials
Beamon’s journey speaks volumes about overcoming adversity. Orphaned at eight months, he faced and fought life’s challenges with the resolve of a champion. His monumental leap wasn’t just a physical feat; it dismantled mental barriers about what’s achievable. Amidst the Civil Rights movement, his performance stood as a powerful symbol of solidarity.
From the track to the soundtrack
Retirement often signals a winding down, but for Beamon, an avid jazz collector with 6,000 records, it was a doorway to a new venture in music. Once committed to youth mentorship and business, the Olympian reignited a childhood passion: drumming congas and bongos.
In spring 2023, he joined hip-hop jazz group B.O.N.E. Squad. Despite initial timing struggles, intensive Olympic-style practice regimen under band leader Stix Bones via thrice-weekly three-hour Zoom sessions, followed by a two-hour session with another percussionist, saw Beamon’s timing soar from 50 to 150 beats per minute within two months.
The band, much younger than their Olympian bandmate, grew fond of Beamon’s humour and teamwork. They were equally awed by his drumming and moved when viewing his historic 1968 jump.
In January 2024, Beamon’s NYC performance during the launch of “Olimpik Soul” carried the same electric anticipation as his record-breaking Olympic leap. His happiness was infectious, his drumming impeccable – at 77, Bob Beamon had seamlessly transitioned into his new role as a percussionist.
The album with B.O.N.E. Squad presents Beamon as more than a musician - it’s a tribute to his unfaltering passion. The lead track “Leap” is a harmonious blend of sax, bass, and drums, conveying the vigour of his Olympic triumph and the dedication that shaped his life.
“Whether describing music or describing athletics it’s all about rhythm. If you concentrate on timing, movement, and visualisation, mix it up, you can come up with some incredible results,” he said of his efforts.
On July 24, Beamon performed alongside jazz icon Ibrahim Maaloof at Paris’ Olympia Cultural Olympiad, symbolising the harmony between arts and sports.
A legacy continued
Reflecting on the lasting impact he hopes to make, Beamon auctioned his cherished Olympic gold medal weeks after the album’s debut, using the proceeds to seed a foundation supporting those in need. The auction at Christie’s, which brought in US$441,000, was more than a sale; it was an innovative way for an athlete to extend his legacy.
An ageless inspiration
Today, at 77, Bob Beamon’s essence exudes the youthful vigour of someone who knows the secret to life isn’t just in achievements but also in resilience and passion. His ongoing journey is a beacon for generations, proving that age is merely a number and the human spirit knows no bounds.
Bob Beamon’s legacy is a rallying cry that echoes through time, inspiring us Silverithmics to make our leaps, no matter the distance. In the soaring flight of the human spirit, there is truly no peak too high or too far.
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