Mike Powell is a retired American long jumper, best known for his remarkable achievements in the sport during the late 1980s and early 1990s. He set the world record for the long jump with a leap of 8.95 meters (29 feet, 4¼ inches) at the 1991 World Championships in Athletics, a record that still stands today. Powell's athletic career also includes winning two Olympic medals: a silver in 1988 and a gold in 1992. In addition to his Olympic success, Mike Powell was a dominant force in various competitions, including the NCAA Championships and the USA Track & Field Championships. His rivalry with fellow long jumper Carl Lewis was particularly notable, as they pushed each other to achieve greater heights in the sport. Powell's contributions to athletics have made him a respected figure in the world of track and field.