ISLAMABAD: Dick Fosbury – one of the most influential athletes in the history of track and field – has died aged 76.
The American revolutionised the high jump in athletics as he leapt backwards over the bar to claim gold at the 1968 Mexico Olympics with a technique now known as the ‘Fosbury Flop’ that is presently used by high jumpers.
The 6ft 5in athlete set a then record of 2.24 metres on his third attempt to win the gold in the Olympic high jump final of 1968.
Fosbury’s agent Ray Schulte wrote on instagram that his client had died on Sunday.
Fosbury started experimenting with the ‘flop’ at school and, with the encouragement of his coaches, he had all-but perfected it when he came to higher education.
He is survived by his wife Robin Tomasi, son Erich and stepdaughters Stephanie Thomas-Phipps and Kristin Thompson.
Legacy
“He changed an entire event forever with a technique that appeared crazy at the time but the result made it the standard,” American four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson said about Fosbury .
The USA Track and Field (USATF) said “Our sport lost a true legend and innovator with the passing of Dick Fosbury.”
USATF chief executive Max Siegel said he was “deeply saddened” by the passing of Fosbury, whom he described as a “true legend and pioneer in the world of track and field”.
