High Jump, Men

The Globe-Democrat predicted an easy victory for Sam Jones, who had won the 1901 and 1902 IC4A title, the 1902 AAA crown, and the AAU championship in 1901, 1903 and 1904. They were right. After winning with 5’11), Jones tried, but failed, to clear 6’2½). Second place was won by Garrett Serviss, but only after a jump-off of a tie with Paul Weinstein. Apparently, Weinstein competed in this event concurrently with the long jump handicap, and was running back and forth between the two.

The styles of the leading jumpers were different. The two Americans both used the scissors, while descriptions of Weinstein’s form make it apparent that he was actually using the Eastern roll, years before it was ever called this. Lajos Gönczy probably had the best vertical jump of the contenders as his method is described as simply curling his legs up under him as he cleared the bar!