Dick Fosbury, who revolutionized high jump with his innovative backward style known as the ‘Fosbury Flop’, has died at the age of 76.
Fosbury’s manager Ray Schulte wrote on his social media account: “My heart is heavy, I have to give you the news that my longtime friend and client, Dick Fosbury, passed away peacefully in his sleep early Sunday morning after a brief bout of lymphoma relapse.”
Fosbury used his new technique to win a gold medal at the 1968 Olympic Games. mexico cityset a new Games record of 2.24 meters in the process, paving the way for the style to be universally embraced by future generations at the event.
Be born portland In 1947, Fosbury began experimenting with his new style during his time on the Oregon State track and field team despite initial resistance from the coaching team, starting with a curled run before a twist to clear the bar backwards.
proved to be successful enough to win. NCAA Win the championship and earn Fosbury a spot on the U.S. Olympic team and take him to Mexico, where he continues to shock his critics by successfully clearing all heights on the first try on the opening day of the competition.
The next day, 21-year-old Fosbury failed his first two attempts at 2.24, but took his third and final jump openly, ushering in a new era in his sport, suggesting he could continue to fight for the world record.
In fact, Fosbury would never again jump as high as he did in Mexico City. He didn’t qualify to defend his crown at the 1972 Olympics, but his legacy was intact with more than half of the 40 high jump competitors who used his trademark style at the time.
After his retirement, Fosbury had a brief career in politics. He announced that he had been diagnosed with stage one lymphoma in 2008, but said in an interview six years later that he was in remission and was recovering from the disease.
Fosbury is survived by his wife Robin Tomasi, son Erich, and step-daughters Stephanie Thomas-Phipps and Kristin Thompson.