Olympic Gold Medalist High Jumper Dick Fosbury is the special guest athlete of the 30th Annual Big Sky State Games Friday, July 17. He will speak and light the torch during Opening Ceremonies at Wendy's Field at Daylis Stadium in Billings.
Fosbury was born in Portland, Oregon in 1947. As a high school athlete in Medford, Oregon he revolutionized the high jump when he created a new technique that quickly became known as "the Fosbury Flop."
Fosbury developed The Flop during his high school years, from 1963 to 1965, winning the National Junior Champ meet. He perfected the technique at Oregon State University under Coach Berny Wagner. Fosbury first cleared 7' during the 1968 indoor season and became National Champion at the NCAAs in 1968 and 1969.
He won the Gold Medal at the Mexico City Olympic Games by clearing 7' 4 ¼", breaking the Olympic and American records. Fosbury made his record jump at the Olympics on his third attempt, earning the #1 ranking in the world. The Fosbury Flop has become the universal technique used by high jumpers globally.
Fosbury was elected to the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1981, and the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 1992. He is the past President of the World Olympians and Paralympians Association. Fosbury has served as the Vice President of the United States Olympians and Paralympians Association since 2004.
State Games Opening Ceremonies festivities include the Soaked Run, first 500 in gate eat free, climbing wall, family entertainment and games, Parade of Athletes, Montana Mile, XPOGO and Torch Lighting. State Games participants are admitted free with their Opening Ceremonies tickets. Tickets are $5, children under 6 are admitted free.
Wendy's sponsors Opening Ceremonies. Major sponsors of the Big Sky State Games are First Interstate Bank, Kampgrounds of America, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana and Scheels. For more information go to bigskygames.org or call (406) 254-7426.
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