Seven feet (2.134) had seemed a particularly elusive barrier, with ath-
letes reportedly clearing that height in practice on numerous occasions
but never in competition. That was until Dumas went over 2.15 in the
US Trials, establishing himself as clear favourite for Melbourne. The
top European was Bengt Nilsson, European Champion and a fine dive
straddle type jumper. However, Nilsson injured himself just before
leaving for Australia, and failed at the qualifying height of 1.92.
Ten men got over 2.00, but only five at 2.03 as Phil Reavis and Vern
Wilson – both 2.07 men from the USA – were the biggest names to
miss. Ken Money, who set a personal best in fifth, was next to go.
Dumas, Kashkarov and the startling Porter all made 2.06 first time,
with Stig Pettersson over on his last attempt. The bar now moved up in
gradations of 2cm, with the powerful (1.84/90kg) Kashkarov, and
Dumas clearing at the first attempt and Porter over on his next try.
Kashkarov missed at 2.10, but Porter made it, to the delight of the
home crowd. With one attempt left at 2.12 Dumas then took his short
run, starting languidly then accelerating sharply and poured himself
over the bar grazing it slightly. Porter missed and then congratulated
Dumas.
Dumas, as languid away from the high jump as he was in his run-up,
apparently had just one jumping session between the US Trials and
Melbourne, limiting his training to a series of stretching exercises!
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