World leader Juan Miguel Echevarría from Cuba jumped 8.25 m (27 ft 3⁄4 in) while giving up the entire 20 cm (7.9 in) width of the board. His jump was bettered by American Jeff Henderson with an 8.28 m (27 ft 1 3⁄4 in) three jumpers later. In the third round, Echevarría improved to 8.34 m (27 ft 4 1⁄4 in) and Henderson responded again with 8.39 m (27 ft 6 1⁄4 in), which ultimately settled the medal positions.