True legend dies at 76

DICK FOSBURY, the legendary athlete and Olympic gold medalist who invented the ‘Fosbury flop’ passed away at the age of 76.

It was revealed on Monday, March 13, that Dick Fosbury, the legendary highjumper who invented the ‘Fosbury flop’, passed away on Sunday March 12, at the age of 76.

It was disclosed that he had been suffering from lymphoma for some time. The American athlete revolutionised the sport when he became the first to attempt jumping over the bar backwards during the 1968 Olympics.

Fosbury won the gold medal in Mexico City, clearing the bar while it was placed at 2.24 metres (7 ft 41 ⁄ 4 in) to set a new Olympic record. His innovative style was subsequently used by numerous high jumpers as they approached the bar, as opposed to their previous scissor kick technique.

“Our sport lost a true legend and innovator today with the passing of Dick Fosbury. He invented the ‘Fosbury Flop’, was a gold medallist at the 1968 Games, and remained an advocate for athletes his entire life. Fosbury’s legacy will live on for generations to come,” tweeted the USA Track & Field account.

Michael Johnson, the iconic American sprinter who won four Olympic gold medals