Swedish, Texas High Jumpers Meet at Meadowlands

Patrik Sjoberg of Sweden and Jimmy Howard of Texas, 1985’s best high jumpers, are scheduled to clash at the U.S. Olympic Invitational track meet Feb. 8 at the Meadowlands Arena.

Dwight Stones, six-time winner of the event and three times a world record-breaker, and Tyke Peacock, former American record-holder and the world championship runner-up in 1983, are also scheduled for the event.

Sjoberg, who turns 21 today, scored four major victories indoors in 1985, including the World Indoor Games and the European championships, while Howard was triumphant six times on the circuit.

Sjoberg jumped 7-9 3/4 both indoors and outdoors during the year, clearing 7-8 or better six times. Howard went 7-8 1/2 indoors and outdoors to notch American records in both instances. He cleared 7-8 or better five times during the year.

Peacock, 24, was the World Cup champion in 1981 and the U.S. national champion outdoors in 1981 and indoors in 1983.

Stones, 32, won the Olympic bronze medal in Munich and has been the American champion 10 times.