Originally Posted by
Bostondevil
No, IMHO, when it comes to these events, we have reached the limits of what the human body can do. Remember, when Mike Powell set the long jump record in 1991, he was breaking Bob Beamon's record from 1968 which is still the second longest ever. Since we started keeping records, two men (over a span of 53 years) have jumped at least 8.9 meters. Each of them only did it once (unaided). Mike Powell jumped longer at altitude and at least one other person has exceeded 8.9 meters at altitude.
I went and looked it up, since 1900, 4 men have held the long jump record for more than 20 years. Someday, someone will break Powell's record, by a little bit, and then they will hold the record for decades. Training and nutrition and equipment have done all they can. Add in perfect genetics and on a lucky day, we might get someone who jumps over 9 meters, but it won't be by much, and they won't do it on a regular basis.
Sotomayor is the only man ever to jump over 8ft (2.44 meters). He did it twice.
The women's high jump record has stood for 34 years now, btw.