Beverly Kinch, English long jumper and sprinter
Beverly "Bev" Kinch, born on 14 January 1964, is a distinguished English former track and field athlete renowned for her exceptional versatility as both a long jumper and a sprinter. Her career was marked by significant achievements on both national and international stages, firmly establishing her as one of Britain's prominent athletes of her era.
Her Enduring UK Long Jump Record
One of Kinch's most remarkable accomplishments was setting and holding the United Kingdom long jump record for an impressive 29 years. Achieved in 1983, her leap of 6.90 metres (22 feet 7.7 inches) stood as the national benchmark until it was finally surpassed in 2012 by Shara Proctor with a jump of 6.91 metres. This long-standing record underscored her consistent excellence and athletic prowess in a highly competitive discipline, making it one of the most durable records in British athletics history and a testament to her pioneering achievement in the sport.
International Championship Triumphs
Beyond her long jump dominance, Beverly Kinch also excelled as a formidable sprinter, securing major international titles in short-distance races:
- In 1983, she became the Universiade Champion in the 100 metres. The Universiade, also known as the World University Games, is a significant international multi-sport event organized for university athletes. Her victory in Edmonton, Canada, at this prestigious event highlighted her emerging talent on a global stage, demonstrating her speed against top collegiate competitors worldwide.
- The following year, 1984, saw her claim the title of European Indoor Champion in the 60 metres. This victory at the European Indoor Championships cemented her status as one of Europe's premier short-distance runners, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure and secure gold in an elite indoor competition.
Olympic Representation
Beverly Kinch's illustrious career culminated with her representation of Great Britain at the pinnacle of international sport: the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea. Her participation at such a prestigious global event underscored her standing as a top-tier athlete, allowing her to compete for her nation on the world's most visible and competitive athletic platform, a dream for any aspiring sportsperson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beverly Kinch
- What was Beverly Kinch's primary sport?
- Beverly Kinch excelled as both a long jumper and a sprinter, demonstrating remarkable versatility in track and field throughout her career.
- How long did Beverly Kinch hold the UK long jump record?
- She held the UK long jump record for an extraordinary 29 years, from 1983 until 2012, with a remarkable jump of 6.90 metres.
- Who broke Beverly Kinch's UK long jump record?
- Her long-standing UK record of 6.90 metres was eventually broken by Shara Proctor in 2012 with a jump of 6.91 metres.
- Did Beverly Kinch compete in the Olympic Games?
- Yes, she proudly represented Great Britain at the 1988 Olympic Games held in Seoul, South Korea, marking a significant milestone in her athletic career.
- What major international titles did Beverly Kinch win?
- She won the 1983 Universiade (World University Games) in the 100 metres and the 1984 European Indoor Championship in the 60 metres.