Dick Fosbury has died at 76. Lymphoma.

[LoisB]

For those who don't remember - the Fosbury Flop high jump 1968 Olympics.

[rurallib]

1. From way back in my youth I remember guys jumping over the bar

like it was a giant hurdle.

Then Fosbury came along - think he raised the record about six inches or so.
In this video Fosbury comes in at @1:50:

[LoisB]

2. Yep. He sure changed that sport. That is a great video you posted, thank you.

[BootinUp]

3. He inspired

Me to make a rudimentary high jump apparatus in my back yard and practice his method.

[LoisB]

4. Wow. Good for you.

[underpants]

5. Revolutionized the event.

🕯️

[ProfessorGAC]

7. My Freshman Year Of HS...

...I high jumped using the old straddle technique. By the next year (3 years post-Fosbury), all the world-class jumpers were flopping.
So, I switched too. I got 6 inches better than the prior year! Changes in height & leaping ability maybe accounted for 2". The technique added 4. And, we didn't even have a high jump pit for practice. Just the meets.
It's a fantastic kinesiological advantage to jump that way, and Dick perfected it.
Revolutionized the event, indeed!

[twodogsbarking]

6. Sorry to hear. I remember it well. Still is a wonder.