dick fosbury
Dick Fosbury is a name that is synonymous with innovation, perseverance, and success. He is an Olympic gold medalist who revolutionized the high jump event in track and field. Fosbury’s technique, now known as the “Fosbury Flop,” has become the standard for high jumpers all around the world.
Richard Douglas “Dick” Fosbury was born on March 6, 1947, in Portland, Oregon. He started his athletic career as a basketball player, but he soon realized that he was too short to play at a high level. Fosbury then turned his attention to the high jump event in track and field, but he struggled with the traditional technique known as the “scissors jump.”
Fosbury was determined to find a better way to clear the bar. He began experimenting with a new technique that involved jumping over the bar with his back facing down. This technique allowed him to clear the bar at higher heights without risking injury to his legs or spine. Fosbury’s new technique was initially met with skepticism from coaches, fellow athletes, and even spectators.
However, Fosbury persisted and continued to refine his technique. He made his debut in the Fosbury Flop at the 1968 U.S. Olympic Trials, where he surprised everyone by clearing a height of 7 feet 4 inches, setting a new personal best and qualifying for the Olympic team. Fosbury’s technique quickly caught on, and many other athletes started to adopt it.
At the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, Fosbury competed against some of the best high jumpers in the world. He cleared every height in the competition with ease, and he became the Olympic champion with a jump of 7 feet 4.25 inches. Fosbury’s victory was not only a personal triumph, but it also marked a turning point in the high jump event. His technique had become the new standard, and the traditional “scissors jump” was now obsolete.
Fosbury’s success at the 1968 Olympics inspired a generation of athletes to think outside the box and challenge convention. His technique became the foundation for the modern high jump event, and it has since been adopted by high jumpers all over the world. Fosbury’s legacy extends far beyond the world of athletics. His innovation and determination have inspired people in all walks of life to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles.
In conclusion, Dick Fosbury is a true icon of the Olympic movement. His innovative technique revolutionized the high jump event and paved the way for future generations of athletes. Fosbury’s story is a testament to the power of determination and perseverance, and it serves as a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.
Fosbury, a former civil engineering student who innovated the world of high jumping, died on Sunday at a nursing care center in Salt Lake City. He was 76. His cause of death was noted as Lymphoma.
