A track and field event where athletes attempt to clear a horizontal bar at the greatest possible height by jumping over it. Athletes get three attempts at each height and are eliminated after three consecutive misses.
The term directly describes the action—jumping to reach height. The modern event evolved from simple contests of jumping over natural obstacles, becoming standardized in the mid-1800s with the introduction of the crossbar and uprights.
The high jump was revolutionized in 1968 when Dick Fosbury introduced the 'Fosbury Flop,' going over the bar backwards and headfirst instead of the traditional scissors kick! This technique is now used by virtually all elite high jumpers and added about 6 inches to world record potential.
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