Introduction of the Fosbury Flop
- The Fosbury Flop was first introduced by Dick Fosbury, an American high jumper, during the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.
- Fosbury’s innovative jump technique involved an approach almost straight ahead, then twisting on takeoff, going over the bar headfirst with the back facing the bar.
- The technique utilized the natural arch of the back, allowing greater efficiency compared to the traditional straddle method.
Significance at the 1968 Olympics
- Dick Fosbury’s debut of the Fosbury Flop resulted in an Olympic Gold Medal and equaled the Olympic record in Mexico City.
- The approach was against what Track and Field News called ‘the toughest field ever assembled’.
Adoption and Popularity
- By the 1972 Munich Olympics, 28 out of 40 competitors had adopted the Fosbury Flop.
- The technique became the universal standard for high jump by the early 1980s.
Execution and Mechanics
- Athletes approach the bar with speed and execute a backward jump taking off from one foot.
- The technique involves a headfirst motion, with the back facing the bar, pivoting over and slipping the legs over last.
Impact on High Jump Technique
- The Fosbury Flop forever changed the high jump sport, moving away from the straddle technique.
- This technique demonstrated the potential of biomechanics to revolutionize sports methodologies.
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