A man who revolutionized the high jump
On October 20, 1968, the discipline of high jumping changed forever when a 21-year-old named Dick Fosbury used an innovative technique that revolutionized the sport. His creation became a game-changer, setting a new standard for athletes worldwide.
Fosbury’s journey began at the age of 16, in the late 1960s, when he started training for the high jump at Oregon State University. His technique, involving a curved run-up and leaping over the bar with his back arched and jumping off his wrong foot, was groundbreaking. This method, known as the *Fosbury Flop*, was the key to his success and would forever change the way athletes approached high jumping.
The brilliance of the *Fosbury Flop* lies in its ability to keep the jumper’s center of gravity below the bar, allowing athletes to clear greater heights with greater ease. What started as an experimental technique for Fosbury soon became the standard in high jump, with athletes across the world adapting variations of his original approach.
Throughout his training, Fosbury utilized various methods to perfect his technique. Flexibility and agility training were vital for maintaining proper body positions during the jump. Plyometrics helped improve explosive strength and power, which became an integral part of his workout routine. Video analysis and biomechanics allowed Fosbury and his coaches to make precise adjustments, enhancing his jumping form and technique. Psychological training was also a key factor, as it helped Fosbury hone his mental preparation and enhance focus, confidence, and readiness for competition.
Fosbury’s training approach was holistic, integrating scientific principles and personalized drills that minimized unnecessary movements, thus maximizing jump performance and safety. His method of training set the stage for a more scientific approach to athletics, influencing future generations of high jumpers.
Born in Portland, Oregon, Fosbury began experimenting with high jump techniques at just 16 while attending Medford High School. He struggled with the traditional straddle method, where athletes jump facing down and lift their legs over the bar one at a time. Finding the technique difficult to coordinate, Fosbury began experimenting with alternative methods, such as the upright scissors method, where athletes face forward and jump one leg at a time.
The introduction of foam rubber pads for landing areas played a crucial role in Fosbury’s development of the *Fosbury Flop*. With traditional landing surfaces like sawdust or sand, his technique would not have been possible. Foam pads provided the safety and support necessary to refine and perfect his revolutionary method.
Fosbury’s success came to a head at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, where he won the gold medal, equaling the Olympic record. His unique jumping style captivated the world, and by the end of the competition, Fosbury had successfully cleared every height on his first attempt. On the following day, he took the sport to new heights by jumping 2.24 meters (7 feet 4.25 inches), breaking the world record and winning the Olympic gold before a global television audience.
Within a decade, the *Fosbury Flop* became the dominant technique in the high jump. By 1980, 13 of the 16 Olympic finalists were using it, solidifying Fosbury’s legacy.
After the Mexico City Games, Fosbury returned to Oregon State University and earned a degree in civil engineering in 1972. He competed professionally in 1973 before transitioning to a new career path. He moved to Idaho, where he founded an engineering company specializing in pathways for cycling and running.
Fosbury’s contributions to the sport didn’t stop there. In 1993, he was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, and in 2016, he had the honor of carrying the torch at the Commonwealth Games. That same year, Fosbury was elected to a four-year term as President of the U.S. Olympians and Para Olympians Association.
Fosbury’s legacy in the world of sports is unparalleled. Few athletes have had such a profound and lasting impact on their respective events. His innovative technique not only transformed high jump but also inspired countless athletes to push the boundaries of what was possible.
Dick Fosbury’s name will forever be synonymous with the *Fosbury Flop*, and his revolutionary contributions to the sport will live on in the annals of track and field.
