Dick Fosbury the inventor of the high jump, has passed away at the age of 76

A look at the life and career of Dick Fosbury, the high jumper who changed the sport forever with his innovative technique, the Fosbury Flop.

Dick Fosbury the inventor of the high jump, has passed away at the age of 76

Dick Fosbury ( Image via CNN )

Dick Fosbury, the man who revolutionized the discipline of the high jump, passed away on Sunday at the age of 76. His innovative technique, the Fosbury Flop, not only earned him a gold medal at the Mexico City 1968 Olympic Games but also changed the sport forever. Prior to Fosbury, athletes would jump forwards over the bar. However, Fosbury’s technique involved a curved run-up and jumping with a back arch, making it possible to jump over the bar backwards.

For the first 72 years at the Olympic Games, athletes would use the traditional method of jumping forwards over the bar. However, on October 20, 1968, the discipline of high jumping changed forever when Fosbury used the Fosbury Flop to take the gold at the Mexico City Olympics. It was a historic moment that left spectators in awe and inspired a new generation of athletes.

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Fosbury’s innovative technique was initially met with skepticism, but it quickly gained popularity as other athletes started to incorporate it into their training. The Fosbury Flop became the standard technique for high jumpers and is still used today, nearly 50 years later.

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Dick Fosbury’s legacy in the world of sports

Dick Fosbury
Dick Fosbury ( Image via CNN )

Dick Fosbury’s contribution to the world of sports is immeasurable. His innovative technique not only changed the way high jumpers approached their discipline but also inspired other athletes to think outside the box and experiment with new techniques. The Fosbury Flop is a testament to the power of innovation and the impact it can have on an entire industry.

Even after retiring from the sport, Fosbury continued to be involved in the world of sports. He served as the President of the World Olympians Association and was inducted into multiple sports hall of fames, including the United States Olympic Hall of Fame and the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame.

Dick Fosbury was not just a high jumper, he was a game-changer. His innovative technique, the Fosbury Flop, not only won him a gold medal but also revolutionized the way high jumpers approached their discipline. His legacy will continue to inspire athletes for generations to come, and he will forever be remembered as a true sports icon.

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