What is it? Fans whistled, yelled and stamped,
And my coach shouted: “Good Lord!” -
It’s eight-fifty1 in my first attempt,
But I overstepped the take-off board...

It was so near - my reward,
But instead of laurels - bitter rue...
Once I overstep the take-off board,
I turn straight into a human-kangaroo!

 
 
 
 

What is it? Fans whistled, yelled and stamped,
Even my contender would applaud -
It’s eight-sixty in my next attempt,
But I overstepped the take-off board...

It’s nobody’s fault, I must confess,
I can’t bear boards and borders - yes, it’s true...
An American will win today, I guess,
He’ll be called a “human-kangaroo”!

 
 
 
 

What is it? Fans whistled, yelled and stamped,
Everybody cheered in accord -
It’s eight-ninety in my best attempt,
But I overstepped the take-off board...

What to do? I’m lonely and ignored...
That American - he wins, he tops the bill...
Should this board once go by the board -
Then I’ll beat America, I swear, guys, I will!

 
 
 
 

What is it? Fans seem to fall asleep,
Commentators looking so bored -
Seven-eighty1... That’s how long I leap
When I take off right before the board!

 
 
 
 

For my pains I’m nothing but a fool,
I have had enough - I quit, I’m washing out...
I can’t jump according to the rule,
But to jump against the rule - I’ll never be allowed!