‘Fosbury Flop’ on display as Dick Fosbury Collection up for bid at Heritage
In 1968, Dick Fosbury revolutionized track and field competition when he changed the technique for the high jump during the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City.
Instead of using the traditional forward dive or scissor-style jump, Fosbury debuted a corkscrew motion in which he twisted his body during his approach to the bar. The “Fosbury Flop” earned him a gold medal and world record in the 1968 Summer Olympics and is now used by high jumpers around the world.
Fosbury passed away in 2023 at age 76.
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Memorabilia from Fosbury’s Olympic career, including his 1968 gold medal, is featured in the Summer Platinum Night Sports Auction Aug. 23-24 at Heritage Auctions.
The auction includes Fosbury’s 1968 Mexico City Summer Olympics high jump gold medal; his photo-matched Team USA singlet; and his 1968 Mexico City Summer Olympics participation medal.
“The innovative jumping style that now carries my husband’s name celebrates not only his athletic ability, but also his passion for the sport and brilliant problem-solving approach to be the best high jumper he could become,” Fosbury’s widow, Robin Tomasi, said. “Growing up, Dick prided himself on being an unconventional thinker. He graduated Oregon State University with a degree in civil engineering while successfully adopting a technique, an innovation that was one of the most significant in the history of track and field and revolutionized the sport forever.”
The Fosbury Collection was on display at the Heritage booth at the National Sports Collectors Convention.