What unique technique did Dick Fosbury use in the high jump?

Dick Fosbury revolutionized the high jump with his unique technique known as the Fosbury Flop. This approach involves the athlete approaching the bar with a curved run-up and then clearing the height backwards over the bar while arching their back. This style allows the jumper to maintain a lower center of gravity at the point of take-off and to utilize their body's natural flexibility and strength to maximize height.

The technique contrasts significantly with traditional methods such as the straddle or the scissors jump, which were more common before Fosbury's innovation. The Fosbury Flop not only proved to be effective in competition but also became the dominant style in high jumping after Fosbury showcased it during the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, where he won a gold medal. His innovative method has since become a standard technique in the sport, illustrating the impact of creativity and adaptation in athletic performance.