spitz set his first indoor world record on february 7, 1931 at the millrose games, jumping 2.00 m (6 ft 7 in) and defeating the previous record holders harold osborn and bert nelson. he also had the best outdoor jump in the world that year, clearing 2.01 m (6 ft in) at travers island and attempting the world outdoor record height of 2.04 m (6 ft in) three times. at the national championships, however, he only cleared 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) and was yet again beaten to fourth place.