LJ'er James McAlister

[bijanc]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1084886/1/index.htm

[jhc68]

McAlister, Jackie Robinson, James Lofton, Lynn Swann.... and a lot more on the long list of coulda, woulda, mighta been World Class long jumpers who chose a different path.
Bo Roberson was maybe the one who enjoyed the best of two worlds, 1cm away from OG Gold and then a pretty good career in the AFL.

[gh]

Best of both perhaps Paul Warfield (not to mention Mel Renfro).

[Tuariki]

I recall jumping against James in 1971 when we were both freshmen. My indelible memory was at the Pac 8's (Husky Stadium I think) when on a jump he decided just before the TJ board to pull up from full speed to start his jump again. To see those massive thighs grinding to a halt in such short order was a sight to behold. He was certainly one big solid and hugely talented mother.

[jhc68]

Bobby Bonds was a very casual 25 foot long jumper in high school and the most awesome, dynamic physical specimen I ever saw at close range (including many OG medalists and WR holders.)
I long jumped in the same event with him a handful of times... I can't really say I was competing with him because whatever I was jumping on any given day, Bonds was 3 or 4 feet beyond. This was on days when he had no baseball games scheduled.