Dick Fosbury 1947 – 2023

Biography

Dick Fosbury transformed high jumping from a grounded art into something soaring and revolutionary. The Portland native didn’t just compete—he reinvented the sport itself through sheer creative determination, fundamentally changing how athletes approached the event and inspiring generations of competitors to think differently about their craft.

A true innovator in track and field, Fosbury demonstrated that athletic excellence could come through unconventional methods and fresh perspective. His contributions extended far beyond his own performances, earning him recognition as a pivotal figure in American athletics whose influence rippled through the sport for decades.

Fosbury passed away March 12, 2023, at age 76, following a battle with lymphoma. His legacy endures as a testament to the power of innovation in sports—a reminder that sometimes the greatest champions are those brave enough to do things differently.