Fouled Out: Olympic Triple Jumping Controversy

Judging controversies haven’t been uncommon in Olympic sports such as boxing, gymnastics and figure skating, but haven’t often touched track and field events. In 1980, however, many Western observers cried foul regarding the judging of the triple jump during the Moscow Games. The Soviet Union took both the gold and silver medals in the event, which was won by Jaak Uudmae with a jump measuring 56 feet, 11-¼ inch (17.35 meters). Leading non-USSR contenders Joao de Oliveira of Brazil and Australia’s Ian Campbell, however, were charged with a total of nine fouls in their 12 attempts. In one instance, Campbell was accused of dragging his trail leg during the second, or “step” portion of the event. While he protested, the pit was raked, destroying any evidence. The world record-holder at 58-8½, de Oliveira finished third in Moscow (56-6) while Campbell placed fifth (54-10¼). 

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