Dick Fosbury, High Jump Pioneer and Olympic Gold Medalist, Passes Away at 76

Dick Fosbury, the athlete who revolutionized the high jump in athletics, has passed away at the age of 76. Fosbury won gold at the 1968 Mexico Olympics by leaping backward over the bar, which became known as the “Fosbury Flop” technique, and is still used by high jumpers today. He set a then-record of 2.24 meters using his method. Fosbury’s agent Ray Schulte announced on Instagram that the athlete passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, after a short battle with a recurrence of lymphoma. Fosbury’s legacy will live on as a true legend and innovator in the world of track and field.
Dick Fosbury, High Jump Pioneer and Olympic Gold Medalist, Passes Away at 76

Fosbury’s impact on the world of athletics was significant, and his contributions were recognized globally. Michael Johnson, a four-time Olympic champion and BBC pundit, noted that Fosbury had changed an entire event forever with a technique that seemed crazy at the time but ultimately became the standard. The USATF also paid tribute to Fosbury, highlighting his invention of the “Fosbury Flop,” his gold medal at the 1968 Olympics, and his advocacy for athletes throughout his life.

Fosbury’s success in the high jump was a result of his perseverance and experimentation. He began experimenting with the “flop” technique in school and perfected it with the help of his coaches. In the Olympic high jump final of 1968, Fosbury cleared 2.24m on his third attempt to win the gold.

 

Fosbury’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of athletes and innovators. He will always be remembered as a true legend in the world of track and field, and his contribution to the sport of high jump will never be forgotten.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

MATHS SET


Financial Calculator


Percentage Calculator

1805 GAMES


Pup Puzzle


PLANET DEFENSE


MANJA - SLIDE


TOWER BLOCK