Javier Sotomayor remains the only human in history to have cleared a high jump bar set at eight feet. On 27 July 1993, in Salamanca, Spain, he recorded a jump of 2.45 metres, establishing a world record that has persisted for decades. This milestone followed years of consistent performance as a prominent Cuban athlete.
Early Development in Cuba
Born in Limonar in 1967 to a day-care worker and a sugar factory maintenance man, Sotomayor was initially directed toward basketball. At age 14, coaches shifted his focus to the high jump. He cleared 2 metres at age 14 and established a junior world record of 2.33 metres in Havana on 19 May 1984. By age 19, he held a world ranking of No. 5.
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Sotomayor first surpassed the world record on 8 September 1988 in Salamanca with a jump of 2.43 metres. He increased the record to 2.44 metres on 29 July 1989 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. His final record of 2.45 metres was achieved in 1993. His indoor record of 2.43 metres was set in Budapest on 4 March 1989 during the IAAF World Indoor Championships.
Major Competition Record
Sotomayor won four gold medals at the IAAF World Indoor Championships between 1989 and 1999 and two gold medals at the IAAF World Championships in Athletics. He claimed victory at the Pan American Games three consecutive times from 1987 to 1995. At the Olympic level, he won gold in 1992 and silver in 2000, though Cuban boycotts prevented his participation in 1984 and 1988.
Professional Hurdles and Retirement
His career experienced significant interruptions. In 1999, he was stripped of a potential fourth Pan American Games title following a positive test for cocaine. He retired in 2001 after testing positive for nandrolone. Despite these controversies, he was recognized with the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in 1993 and the Bislett medal in 1999.
Fast facts
- Born: 13 October 1967, Limonar, Cuba
- World Record: 2.45 metres (8 ft 1⁄4 in)
- Occupation: High jumper
- Olympic Gold: 1992
- Olympic Silver: 2000
- Princess of Asturias Award for Sports: 1993
- Bislett medal: 1999
- Retirement: 2001
Questions readers ask
What is Javier Sotomayor's highest jump?
His highest recorded jump is 2.45 metres, achieved in 1993.
Did Javier Sotomayor compete in the Olympic Games?
He competed in the 1992 Olympics, winning gold, and the 2000 Olympics, winning silver. He missed the 1984 and 1988 Games due to boycotts and the 1996 Games due to injury.
Achievements
- Worked as high jumper
