Book 28, Question 55 · Video
How does a high jumper clear the bar with a backward arch?
In 1968, athlete Dick Fosbury won the Olympics with a new style, going over the bar head first and arching his back. This became the Fosbury flop. When the body is curved like a rainbow, the center of mass can pass under the bar even though every part of the body goes over. That means the jumper doesn't have to raise the whole body as high.
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What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How does a high jumper clear the bar with a backward arch?
The Big Idea
High jumpers go over the bar backward! It's called the Fosbury flop. Why does it work?
A New Style
Step one: A New Style. In 1968, athlete Dick Fosbury won the Olympics with a new style. He went over the bar head first and arched his back.
Like a Rainbow
Step two: Like a Rainbow. When the body curves like a rainbow, the center of mass can pass under the bar. Every part of the body still goes over!
Less Lifting
Step three: Less Lifting. That means the jumper doesn't have to raise the whole body as high. The style became known as the Fosbury flop.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! Curved approach. Jump up. Bend backward. Land on a mat.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Before the flop, jumpers used to roll or scissor over the bar. Body arches like a rainbow. Center passes under. Olympic gold in 1968.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Bend a flexible straw into an arch. Look at the middle. Compare it to the ends. See how the middle is lower. How is this like a high jumper?
Outro
In 1968, Dick Fosbury went over the bar head first with an arched back. Curving like a rainbow lets the center of mass pass under the bar while the body goes over, so jumpers don't need to lift as high. Science is amazing! Keep asking questions! The more you look around, the more wonders you will find, so keep your eyes open! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!