High jump is one of the most fascinating events in the world of athletics. It tests the limits of human ability to jump higher and higher. It has evolved over the years from a simple jumping contest to a highly technical and competitive sport. In this article, we will take a trip down memory lane and explore the evolution of high jump.
The Early Days
The high jump has its roots in ancient Olympic Games held in Greece around 776 BC. The jumpers used to jump over a bar without any equipment, and the winner was the one who could jump the highest. The technique used was called the Scissors Jump, where the jumper would raise one leg, and then the other, in a scissor-like motion.
The sport was then introduced to modern-day athletics in the late 19th century. In the early days, high jumpers used to jump over the bar with their feet-first, landing on their back. This technique was called the Western Roll.
The Straddle Technique
In the 1960s, the Straddle technique was introduced, which was a significant breakthrough in the evolution of high jump. The jumpers would jump facing the bar and then, while clearing it, they would turn their bodies sideways to land on their feet. This technique allowed the jumpers to jump higher and higher, and by the 1970s, the world record was broken multiple times using this technique.
The Fosbury Flop
The most significant evolution in the history of high jump came in the 1968 Olympics when an American high jumper named Dick Fosbury introduced the Fosbury Flop. His technique involved jumping over the bar with his back facing the bar, and then arching his back to clear the bar and land on his shoulders. This technique allowed the jumper to jump higher than ever before, and it quickly became the go-to technique for high jumpers around the world.
The Scissors Jump
Today, the Fosbury Flop is the most popular technique used in high jump, but some jumpers still use the Scissors Jump. The Scissors Jump involves jumping over the bar with one leg leading and then, while clearing it, bringing the other leg over the bar. It is not as efficient as the Fosbury Flop, but it is still used by some jumpers around the world.
The Future of High Jump
The future of high jump is exciting as athletes continue to push the limits of human ability. With advancements in technology and training techniques, we can expect to see even higher jumps in the future. Who knows, maybe one day we will see someone jump over a bar that is three meters high!
Conclusion
The evolution of high jump has been fascinating to witness, from the simple Scissors Jump to the highly technical Fosbury Flop. The sport has come a long way, and it continues to evolve as athletes push the limits of human ability. We can expect to see even more exciting developments in the future of high jump.