John Curtis Thomas (March 3, 1941 – January 15, 2013) was an American track and field athlete who set several world records in the high jump using the straddle technique. As a youth, he earned the Eagle Scout award. At the age of 17, while a freshman at Boston University, Thomas became the first man to clear 7 feet (2.13 m) indoors. He subsequently pushed the world indoor record to 7'1½" (2.17 m), and broke the world outdoor record three times, with a career best jump of 7'3¾" (2.22 m) in 1960 while just 20 years old. Thomas' meteoric career briefly captivated the track world, but he failed to win an Olympic gold medal, despite being favored to win in both his efforts. In 1960, he took the bronze medal behind Russia's Robert Shavlakadze (gold), and Valeriy Brumel (silver). In 1964 he was bested again by Brumel, who cleared the same top height as Thomas, but was declared the winner based on fewer misses at lower heights. ….. to know more, please go to wikipedia.

Note: to comeback to this website just hit the back button in your browser.

Disclaimer: The public YouTube videos on this website are property of the original video owners (whom posted the video on the internet) and are embedded in this website for educational purpose ONLY. Kangaroo TC/ Kangaroo Athletics respects YouTube privacy policy, the personal image and effort of each one of these world class athletes and does not coach, manage or sponsor any of the following jumpers unless the actual video is specifically branded with our logo/website or is stated in the site itself Kangaroo TC / Kangaroo Athletics / Kangaroo High Jump Festival.

Note: For high jump camps, long jump camps and triple jump camps, private lessons, video analysis and high jump festival please go to the following links or contact us by email kangarooathletics@gmail.com or call us at (952)292-8226