“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” –Philippians 4:13
It is track and field season in Oklahoma. Students are competing in one of the oldest sports in the world. They will line up in the next few weeks to see who the fastest sprinter is, the best long-distance runner, the best shot put and discus thrower, and who can jump the highest. This is an age-old sport, dating back to Ancient Greece. These students will line up to see who the best is today.
As old of a sport as track and field is, many of the changes and innovations did not take place until recent times. One of those changes was brought to the sport by Dick Fosbury. Fosbury was a student at Medford High School in Portland, Oregon. He wanted to be part of the track team, but struggled to make the lowest qualifying height for the high jump. His leg strength was not the problem. The technique of the time was to jump forward, kicking each leg over the bar, one at a time. By all accounts, Dick Fosbury was unable to coordinate his movements to be successful in the high jump.
Dick Fosbury did not give up. As a Junior in high school, Fosbury began to experiment with new methods to clear the high bar. It would not take long for him to realize that he was able to clear the bar by going over backwards. The track coachers at Medford High were shocked at his new method. It would eventually earn the name of the “Fosbury Flop.” It was successful, to say the least. Fosbury was a success in high school and joined the track team at Oregon State. In his first meet of his sophomore year, Dick Fosbury cleared the height of 6’10” and broke the school record.
Although he had a difficult time making his high school track team, Fosbury would eventually represent the United States at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. Dick Fosbury would set a new Olympic record and take home the gold medal that year. Fosbury’s innovation would change track and field for years to come. In a later interview, Fosbury would recognize that what he did was different, but he would also say, considering his success, “The Fosbury Flop is now the only way to fly.”
Change is often difficult for us. In Mexico City, Dick Fosbury was often laughed at for his new technique. However, this change proved successful and opened the door for athletes to go higher and higher. If we dare to think differently, and if we are willing to move beyond what is comfortable, we too can help improve our world. We can help others move forward in new and exciting ways.
-Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
