High jump is a track and field event in which an athlete tries to jump over a bar supported by two posts 13 feet 1 1/2 inches (4 meters) apart. The jumper lands on a large pad of foam, wrapped mostly in vinyl.
A jumper takes a running start and may approach the bar from any angle. Modern jumpers use the Fosbury flop. This style was originated in the 1960’s by Dick Fosbury, a student at Oregon State University. Using the Fosbury flop, jumpers take off on the outside foot—that is, the foot farthest from the bar. They turn their back to the bar, arch their back over the center of the bar, and kick their legs out to clear it. They land on their shoulders and back.
In a track and field meet, the bar is placed at successively higher levels. Jumpers remain in the competition until they miss three consecutive times. They get credit for the highest height they clear.
