Track and Field

Rain, wind and temperatures in the 50s ruined the chances of Americans hoping to set world records in a track meet at Sestriere, Italy, an Alpine resort nearly 6,600 feet above sea level.

Carl Lewis, who had hoped to beat Bob Beamon’s longstanding record of 29 feet 2 1/2 inches, pulled out of the long jump, blaming back pains. Lewis also expressed concern over competing on a wet track in the cool air, especially with the world championships later this month in Tokyo.

American Mike Powell jumped 28-7 3/4, though it was wind-aided. The wind was within the allowed limits when Germany’s Heike Dreschler had the best performance of the year in the women’s long jump, 24-2 1/4.

Winds blowing against sprinters Leroy Burrell, Michael Johnson and Merlene Ottey in the final straight helped keep them from clocking outstanding times.