Banned Techniques That Would Smash World Records in Track and Field

High Jump

Gary Arndt explores the revolutionary impact of the Fosbury Flop in high jump, introduced by Dick Fosbury. This technique, which allows the jumper's center of mass to be below the bar, led Fosbury to Olympic gold and quickly became the standard. Arndt also discusses potential innovations like a gymnast-style backflip that could challenge current records, though its legality remains uncertain 1. In pole vaulting, David Voles introduced a technique known as "volzing," where athletes would steady the bar with their hands mid-air, prompting rule changes to prevent such maneuvers 2.

The Fosbury Flop was a game-changer, allowing athletes to jump higher by lowering their center of mass below the bar.

--- Gary Arndt

   

Somersault

The somersault technique in long jump, pioneered by Tuariki Delamere, showcased the potential for dramatic improvements in performance. By embracing the body's natural forward rotation, Delamere executed a forward somersault during his jump, achieving a distance that rivaled world records 3. Despite its success, the technique was banned in 1975 due to safety concerns, raising questions about the consistency of safety standards in sports. Arndt argues that allowing such techniques could make long jump more exciting and questions why gymnastics, with its more dangerous elements, remains unrestricted.

The somersault technique could have revolutionized long jump, but it was banned for being too dangerous, despite gymnastics allowing similar moves.

--- Gary Arndt