The jumper powers down a runway to build up the speed needed to leap into the sandpit.

A smooth technique is vital with the distance measured from the nearest impression made in the sand by any part of the jumper's body.

Heike Drechsler (Ger) Born 16.12.64
Having being on the world stage for over 20 years, Drechsler went to Sydney in 2000 and became the only woman to win the Olympic long jump twice.

She started out with a World Championship gold at the age of 16 in 1983, and then went on to get silver at Seoul in 1988 before tasting Olympic glory in Barcelona four years later.

Her talents did not end at jumping.

As well as a number of junior heptathlon titles, Drechsler claimed bronze in both the 100m and 200m sprints at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

Carl Lewis (USA) Born 1.7.61

Carl flying tonight

Lewis has won nine Olympic golds, four of them in 1984 at Los Angeles.

This equalled the incredible achievement of Jesse Owens in 1936, winning the 100m, 200m, long jump and sprint relay.

He went on to take the 100m and long jump gold in 1988 and then the long jump and sprint relay four years later.

He was long jump Olympic champion an amazing four times.

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World record

Men: 2.45m Javier Sotomayor (CUB) 27.7.93 Women: 2.09m Stefka Kostadinova (BUL) 30.8.87