Dick Fosbury will be remembered more for the high jump style he perfected than for his gold medal. With his “Fosbury Flop”, he completely revolutionized the event. Though now often called simply the Flop, many Eastern European jumpers called this style of jumping the Fosbury. While attending Oregon State he won the NCAA in 1968 and after his Olympic victory he won the title again in 1969. This was his only major post-Olympic victory and Fosbury turned professional in 1973, with limited success.
Fosbury later became a civil engineer near Sun Valley, Idaho working with Galena Engineering. He also became quite good at swing dancing and would later marry his swing dancing instructor. Fosbury served as President of the US Olympians Association and the World Olympians Association.
Personal Best: HJ – 7-4¼ (2.24) (1968).
United States