Vertical Jump Test Records

The vertical jump test measures the difference between a jump straight up off both feet, and the reach height. The result is therefore independent of someone's actual height, and can generally be considered how much the feet get off the ground.

From data on on answers.com, the world record holder for the vertical jump is held by Michael Wilson of the Globetrotters, who has a 55" leap (he also once dunked on a 12-foot hoop, which is also a record). Someone else reports that Kadour Ziani, Highest Vertical Leaper from Slamnation, has a vertical jump of 61" (other reports for top leaps for Kadour range from 56"/142cm upwards).

Volleyball player Leonel Marshall reportedly has a 50" (127 cm) vertical leap from standing. He is the star of Men's Cuban National Volleyball team. Search for him on YouTube and you will see some spectacular jumping action of him.

In data from an article "Pulling To Jump Higher" by Chad Ikei, some impressive vertical jump results are presented for a couple of champion weight lifters. Nicu Vlad of Romania (bodyweight 100 kg / 220 lbs), World Record holder and two-time Olympic Weight lifting medallist in 1990, recorded a 42" vertical jump. American Wesley Barnett, 3-time Olympian and Silver Medallist at the 1997 World Championships (He is 6'1" tall and weighs 105 kg / 231 lbs), has recorded vertical jumps of over 39". These guys are quite heavy, and their jumps are pretty good, but there have been some much higher jumps.

Top Vertical Leap Records List

if you know of other jumpers that should be listed here, please let us know.

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