clarinews@clarinet.com (01/19/90)
MADRID, Spain (UPI) -- Bob Beamon, whose recod long jump of 29 feet, 2 1/2 inches has survived 22 years, said Thursday ``the only two men capable of breaking my record are Carl Lewis and Larry Myricks.'' Beamon, invited to Spain by the Spanish Sports-Press Association (AEDP), added that Lewis is the most likely to beat the record because of his technique and speed. Beamon set his record during the 1968 Olympics at Mexico City, and offered the opinion that the 1992 Games in Barcelona would be remarkable. ``Right now there are great athletes throughout the world that train heavily under sophisticated techniques,'' he said. ``I believe that quite a few records will be broken at the Barcelona Olympics. ``If there is one thing that I really envy about today's athletes, it is the backing they receive from sponsors. If that had existed back in 1968, my life would be different.''