High jump (athletics)

Equipment and rules

The basic equipment consists of two uprights, an adjustable crossbar and a landing area cushioned with foam pads. Historically the landing surface evolved from sand and sawdust to large foam pits, a change that made new techniques safer and more effective. Core competition rules include:

• Each athlete usually has three attempts to clear a given height; failing three consecutive times results in elimination.
• An athlete may choose to pass a height and attempt a higher one, but failed attempts still count in tie-breaking.
• The bar may be touched during a jump, but it must not be dislodged from the uprights.
• Tie-breakers are resolved by countback on failures at the last successful height and earlier heights.

Techniques and styles

Several jumping techniques have been used over time. The earliest common methods included the scissors and the eastern cut-off. The straddle technique, in which athletes went over face-down, dominated much of the mid-20th century. Since the late 1960s the most widely used technique is the Fosbury Flop, named after Dick Fosbury, who popularized it by clearing the bar back-first and winning Olympic gold in 1968. The flop became practical after improvements in landing pits and remains the standard for elite competitors.

History and development

The high jump emerged as an organized competitive activity in 19th-century England and was included in early track and field meetings. It has been contested at the modern Olympic Games since 1896 for men and since 1928 for women. Many of the procedural rules in use today — such as the three-attempt format — trace their origins to 19th-century codification of athletics. Equipment, technique and training have all evolved, producing progressively higher clearances over decades.

Records, notable facts and examples

World records showcase the event's progression. The men's world record of 2.45 m was set by Javier Sotomayor in 1993, and the women's record of 2.09 m was set by Stefka Kostadinova in 1987. Olympic champions and innovators, such as Dick Fosbury, have influenced wide adoption of new techniques. For rules, governing bodies and historical archives see the event page at official event overview and the sport's historical notes at historical sources. Further technical guidance and coaching resources are available from technique-focused pages like training and technique guides, while athlete biographies and record listings can be found through athlete databases referenced at athlete records.

Why it matters

The high jump tests speed, strength, timing and body control in a compact event that blends athleticism with technical skill. It remains a staple of athletics programs worldwide and a highlight of multi-event competitions, from local meets to the Olympic Games.