The Olympic gold medallist and world record-breaker, was praised by the Centre's Board chair Cathy Oerter, wife of the late four-time Olympic champion in the discus throw, prior to taking up the post at the home of Olympic sport and art.

"My late husband, Al, had known Bob since the early 60s," she said.

"I know Bob will continue to cultivate Al's passion for arts and sports to motivate and encourage others to achieve their best."

Beamon broke the long jump world record in the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City by jumping 8.90 metres, one of the most famous performances in the history of the sport.

The achievement went unchallenged for 23 years until Mike Powell broke it in 1991, making Beamon the second longest holder of the record behind Jesse Owens who held the record for 25 years from 1935 to 1960.

Beamon went on to promote athletics to youngsters with former Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as hosting the South Florida Inner City Games and the Bob Beamon United Way Golf Classic.

He has since been elected into the USA Track & Field and US Olympic hall of fames, and served as the director of the athletic development at Florida Atlantic University, and the associate athletic director at Chicago State University.

"It is a tremendous honour to carry on the legacy of the great Al Oerter, the legendary four-time Olympic gold medal discus thrower," Beamon said.

"I'm looking forward to working with the board, donors, volunteers and the community to maximise AOTO's strengths while promoting the Olympic ideals and values."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
March 2011: Roald Bradstock - Celebrating a Royal Olympic Happening
May 2009: Roald Bradstock - Al Oerter: My inspiration, his legacy