High jumpers have used the “Fosbury Flop” technique to clear the bar head-first since American Dick Fosbury popularized the technique at the 1968 Olympics.
Qatar’s Mutaz Essa Barshim broke from tradition for an early jump at the track and field world championships in London on Sunday.
The 6-foot-2 Barshim managed to clear the bar at about 6 feet, 4 inches by hurdling feet-first.
The two-time Olympic medalist returned to the “Fosbury Flop” technique and claimed the world title by clearing 2.35m (7 feet, 8.5 inches) without a miss.
OlympicTalk is on Apple News. Favorite us!
MORE: Usain Bolt falls with injury, loses final career race at worlds (video)