Richard Douglas Fosbury revolutionized the high jump during the 1968 Summer Olympics by introducing a back-first clearance technique. His method, which involved sprinting diagonally and leaping backward over the bar, fundamentally altered the sport. This approach allowed for a lower center of mass, eventually achieving universal adoption by elite athletes across international track and field competitions.
Early Development of the Flop
Born in Portland, Oregon, Fosbury began experimenting with his jumping style at age 16 while attending Medford High School. Struggling with the traditional straddle method, he initially attempted an upright scissors jump. He gradually refined his movement to clear the bar head-first while arched backward. The transition was facilitated by the widespread introduction of foam rubber landing pits in American schools, which replaced harder surfaces like wood chips and sand.
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Following his graduation from Medford High School in 1965, Fosbury enrolled at Oregon State University. Although coach Berny Wagner initially encouraged him to master traditional techniques, Fosbury’s record-breaking performance of 6 feet 10 inches during his second year prompted the coaching staff to fully support his experimental style. He eventually secured two consecutive NCAA titles and won the 1968 United States Olympic Trials.
Olympic Victory and Influence
At the 1968 Summer Olympics, Fosbury secured a gold medal using his signature technique. The maneuver, soon dubbed the Fosbury flop, relied on a J-shaped approach run that generated speed and necessary hip rotation. By adjusting his takeoff point, he maximized flight time to ensure his hips cleared the bar at the apex of his arc. His success rendered previous methods obsolete for top-tier competitors.
Post-Athletic Career
After retiring from competition, Fosbury remained active in athletics, serving on the executive board of the World Olympians Association. He later moved into local politics in Idaho. In 2014, he unsuccessfully challenged Steve Miller for a seat in the Idaho House of Representatives. In 2018, he ran for Blaine County Commissioner against incumbent Larry Schoen, won the election, and assumed office in 2019.
Fast facts
- Name: Richard Douglas Fosbury
- Born: March 6, 1947, Portland
- Died: March 12, 2023, Salt Lake City
- Notable work: Fosbury flop
- Education: North Medford High School, South Medford High School, Oregon State University
- Political office: Blaine County Commissioner
Questions readers ask
Why did the Fosbury flop become the standard method?
It provided a lower center of mass and allowed for greater height compared to the straddle method.
What enabled Fosbury to land safely using his new style?
The availability of soft foam rubber landing pits in American schools allowed jumpers to land on their backs without injury.
