Date of Birth: March 6, 1947
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Date of Death: March 12, 2023
Biography
Richard Douglas “Dick” Fosbury, born on March 6, 1947, in Portland, Oregon, was an American high jumper who revolutionized the sport with his innovative “Fosbury Flop” technique, which he debuted at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. Fosbury’s technique involved a unique backward arched jump over the high bar, which contrasted sharply with the traditional straddle method used by most high jumpers at the time. This new method not only secured him the gold medal at the Olympics but also set a new Olympic record of 2.24 meters (7 feet 4.25 inches). His success popularized the Fosbury Flop, which soon became the dominant technique in high jumping. Fosbury attended Oregon State University, where he was a member of the track and field team. Post his athletic career, he pursued a career in civil engineering and also became involved in sports administration. Fosbury’s influence on athletics extends beyond his competitive years; his method is studied and emulated by high jumpers worldwide.
5 Interesting Facts about Dick Fosbury
1. Dick Fosbury won the gold medal in the high jump at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.
2. The “Fosbury Flop” technique he pioneered revolutionized the sport of high jumping.
3. Fosbury’s Olympic record jump was 2.24 meters (7 feet 4.25 inches).
4. He attended Oregon State University and competed for their track and field team.
5. After retiring from athletics, he became a civil engineer and served in sports administration.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Dick Fosbury
1. “I think quite often a lot of us find out it’s through failure that you learn the most.”
2. “I just wanted to improve and be the best high jumper I could be.”
3. “The flop was a gradual evolution, not something that happened overnight.”
4. “My greatest satisfaction comes from the joy of the young athletes who continue to push the limits.”
5. “Sports have the power to change the world.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Dick Fosbury’s highest estimated net worth was approximately $1 million.
Children
Dick Fosbury had one child, a son named Erich Fosbury.
Relevant Links
1. [Dick Fosbury’s Biography on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dick-Fosbury
2. [Olympic Profile of Dick Fosbury](https://olympics.com/en/athletes/richard-douglas-fosbury
