R.I.P To Olympic Pioneer Dick Fosbury

Mexico City 1968's Gold Medalist High Jump 'Flop' Passes Away

Did you know that the 'Fosbury Flop' nickname came from Dick Fosbury himself? Mexico City 1968's champion in the men's high jump coined the phrase in a later interview after originally referring it to the less fun "back-layout".

Dick Fosbury (AFP/Getty Images)

Fosbury's landmark technique - clearing the bar head and back-first rather than with a side straddle or scissor jump - was revolutionary for the event...and legal. And it worked. Fosbury set an Olympic record to win gold at the '68 Summer Games, and the majority of jumpers at the next Games emulated his style. And the community didn't look back.

Fosbury passed away this weekend at age 1976. And the sports world offered its remembrances. R.I.P.

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A post shared by The Olympic Games (@olympics)

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A post shared by World Athletics (@worldathletics)

R.I.P. 1968 Olympic gold medalist and high jump legend/pioneer Dick Fosbury, who passed away on Sunday. Condolences to his family and friends. Godspeed, Fos, from an eternally grateful sport. pic.twitter.com/BzV9XsGHff

— Ato Boldon (@AtoBoldon) March 13, 2023

The world legend is probably used too often. Dick Fosbury was a true LEGEND! He changed an entire event forever with a technique that looked crazy at the time but the result made it the standard. https://t.co/4qx0WQ08pu

— Michael Johnson (@MJGold) March 13, 2023

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A post shared by HALFSHAVE (@gianmarcotamberi)

R.I.P Dick Fosbury. Athletics has lost a true legend. An absolute gentleman who gave me nothing but time when I met him in my younger years. You will be missed by so many. My condolences to his family and those who knew him personally. Gone but never forgotten □️ https://t.co/BLJPOF6nX3 pic.twitter.com/iWORTY6zYy

— Adam Gemili (@Adam_Gemili) March 13, 2023