Dick Fosbury

Quick Facts

• First developed his signature “Fosbury flop” jumping style while attending Medford Senior High School
• Attended Oregon State University
• First cleared 7 feet during the 1968 indoor track and field season
• Turned professional in high jump in 1973 and joined the International Track Association
• Father to Kristin and Stephanie.

Olympic Experience

• 1-time Olympian; 1-time Olympic medalist (1 gold)
• Olympic Games Mexico City 1968, gold (High Jump - Men)

Hall Of Fame Bio

Richard “Dick” Fosbury is an American former high jumper who revolutionized his sport by creating his own jumping technique, nicknamed the “Fosbury flop.” Born in Portland, Oregon, Fosbury began developing his backwards jumping style at age 16 after finding the conventional straddle-roll jumping style ineffective and complicated. Despite being discouraged by his college track coach, Fosbury continued using his own technique and won the indoor and outdoor NCAA championships in 1968. He first showcased the “Fosbury flop” on an international stage at the Olympic Games Mexico City 1968, when he broke the high jumping world record and won the gold medal with a jump of 2.24 meters. Since then, elite high jumpers have adopted his technique, making Fosbury’s approach the sport’s standard. He remained active within the Olympic and Paralympic movements following his athletic retirement, previously serving as vice president of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Association, as well as the president of the World Olympians Association. Fosbury has taught at track clinics and camps around the world and also began an engineering career.