Legendary athlete Dick Fosbury dies after “changing the high jump forever”

13 March 2023 , 19:02

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Dick Fosbury has died aged 76 (Image: Alex Grimm)

Olympic gold medal winning high jumper Dick Fosbury has died at the age of 76.

The American, who revolutionised the sport with the use of his 'Fosbury flop', passed away on Sunday after a recurrence of lymphoma. And tributes have since poured in for one of the most famous names in athletics.

In the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, Fosbury baffled opponents and fans alike with his new technique, which differed vastly from the customary scissor kick style athletes had previously adopted. And with what became known as the 'Fosbury flop', he cleared 2.24 metres to win the competition.

On Monday, former agent Ray Schulte announced on Instagram: "It is with a very heavy heart I have to release the news that longtime friend and client Dick Fosbury @dickfosbury68 passed away peacefully in his sleep early Sunday morning after a short bout with a recurrence of lymphoma." He went on to describe Fosbury as a "track and field legend."

Reacting to the news, former World 200m champion Ato Bolden tweeted: "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."

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Another Olympic icon, Michael Johnson, added: "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."

Adam Gemili has paid tribute to Fosbury (Getty Images)

British sprinter Adam Gemili meanwhile, recalled meeting the Portland born star: "R.I.P Dick Fosbury," he wrote. "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."

Fosbury started experimenting with his unorthodox technique at 16-years-old, later claiming he was struggling to compete via traditional 'straddle' methods. He later revealed he knew he had to change his "body position" to achieve more height.

And the impact of his display in Mexico became evident four years later, when 28 of the 40 competitors adopted his technique. As a result, he was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1981.

Fraser Watson