Dick Fosbury, shown here at the Whyte Track dedication, revolutionized the high jump.
Photo by: Dave Nishitani/Oregon State Athletics
Fosbury named USOPA president, earns Legacy Award
November 01, 2016 | Women's Track & Field
CORVALLIS, Ore. – Former Oregon State Olympic gold medalist Dick Fosbury has been elected president of the executive committee of the United States Olympic Committee's U.S. Olympians and Paralympians Association (USOPA).
Fosbury will also receive a USA Track & Field (USATF) Legacy Award on Thursday at the association's annual Black Tie and Sneakers Gala in New York City. Former UCLA/Olympic star Jackie Joyner-Kersee will also be honored.
Fosbury won the gold medal in the high jump at the 1968 Mexico City games by clearing 7-4.25, an Olympic and American record at that time. He was elected to the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 1992.
He revolutionized the high jump with his "flop' technique, which involved going over the bar headfirst and backward, with his body horizontal to the ground.
Fosbury is also a member of the OSU Sports Hall of Fame, the State of Oregon Hall of Fame, the National Track & Field Hall of Fame, and the World Humanitarian Hall of Fame. He won the 1969 NCAA high jump championship and was a member of the Pacific-12 Conference's All-Century track & field team.
For more information on the Oregon State track and field program, follow the Beavers on Facebook at Facebook.com/OSUTrackCrossCountry, or on Twitter at twitter.com/@BeaverTrackXC
OREGON STATE ATHLETICS' EVERYDAY CHAMPIONS CULTURE
Through the power of sport, we help people discover and pursue their passions, talents and purpose in order to live a life of balance and positive contribution.
Fosbury will also receive a USA Track & Field (USATF) Legacy Award on Thursday at the association's annual Black Tie and Sneakers Gala in New York City. Former UCLA/Olympic star Jackie Joyner-Kersee will also be honored.
Fosbury won the gold medal in the high jump at the 1968 Mexico City games by clearing 7-4.25, an Olympic and American record at that time. He was elected to the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 1992.
He revolutionized the high jump with his "flop' technique, which involved going over the bar headfirst and backward, with his body horizontal to the ground.
Fosbury is also a member of the OSU Sports Hall of Fame, the State of Oregon Hall of Fame, the National Track & Field Hall of Fame, and the World Humanitarian Hall of Fame. He won the 1969 NCAA high jump championship and was a member of the Pacific-12 Conference's All-Century track & field team.
For more information on the Oregon State track and field program, follow the Beavers on Facebook at Facebook.com/OSUTrackCrossCountry, or on Twitter at twitter.com/@BeaverTrackXC
OREGON STATE ATHLETICS' EVERYDAY CHAMPIONS CULTURE
Through the power of sport, we help people discover and pursue their passions, talents and purpose in order to live a life of balance and positive contribution.
