Olympic High Jump Champion and Creator of the “Fosbury Flop” Dies  at Age 76

Dick Fosbury, the legendary American athlete who revolutionized the high jump in athletics by introducing the “Fosbury Flop” technique, has passed away at the age of 76.

Fosbury, who won gold at the 1968 Mexico Olympics, leapt backwards over the bar using his innovative technique, which is now widely used by high jumpers around the world. Fosbury set a then record of 2.24 meters using the flop at the Games.

Fosbury, who won gold at the 1968 Mexico Olympics, leapt backwards over the bar using his innovative technique, which is now widely used by high jumpers around the world. 

Fosbury set a record of 2.24 meters using the flop at the Games.

Fosbury began experimenting with the technique at school and perfected it with the help of his coaches. In the 1968 Olympic high jump final, he cleared 2.24 meters on his third attempt to win the gold medal. 

Michael Johnson, a four-time Olympic champion and BBC pundit, said that Fosbury changed an entire event forever with a technique that looked crazy at the time.

Fosbury’s agent, Ray Schulte, announced his death on Instagram, saying that Fosbury had passed away peacefully in his sleep after a short battle with lymphoma. “Dick will be greatly missed by friends and fans from around the world,” Schulte said. “A true legend and friend of all.”

Fosbury is survived by his wife, Robin Tomasi, son Erich, and stepdaughters Stephanie Thomas-Phipps and Kristin Thompson. 

The USA Track and Field (USATF) expressed their condolences and said that Fosbury’s legacy will live on for generations to come. 

USATF CEO Max Siegel called Fosbury a “true legend and pioneer in the world of track and field” and said that his contributions to the sport and his impact on generations of athletes will never be forgotten.