Dick Fosbury

Dick Fosbury (1947–2023) was a revolutionary American high jumper best known for inventing the “Fosbury Flop,” a technique that transformed the sport. Prior to his innovation, most athletes used the straddle or scissors technique, but Fosbury introduced a radically different approach—jumping back-first over the bar. He debuted this method internationally at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, where he won the gold medal with a leap of 2.24 meters (7 ft 4¼ in), setting a new Olympic record. His success popularized the Flop, which quickly became the dominant style in high jumping and remains so today. Beyond his athletic achievements, Fosbury had a background in civil engineering and remained involved in sports and public service, even running for political office. His impact on high jump is enduring, marking him not just as a champion but as an innovator who changed the game forever.