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Updates from Dick Fosbury at the Beijing Olympics The UNM Cancer Center is privileged to have an insider’s perspective on the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Dick Fosbury, a patient and Olympian, is best known for revolutionizing the high jump with the “Fosbury Flop.” He will share his experiences at the Olympics with UNM Cancer Center patients though his blog, which will be housed on the UNM Cancer Center’s Web site. Richard Douglas “Dick” Fosbury was born March 6, 1947 in Portland, Oregon. As a young high jumper, he found the conventional techniques of the day, such as the “Eastern Cut Off,” the “Straddle” and “Scissors” too complicated. At the age of 16, he started experimenting with a new method, where he sprinted diagonally towards the bar, then curved and leaped backwards over it. While unconventional, the new method earned him the 1968 NCAA title and a first-place win at the U.S. Olympic trials, placing him on that year’s U.S. Olympic team. At the 1968 games in Mexico City, Fosbury brought home the gold medal and set a new Olympic Record of 7 feet 4.25 inches. His unusual method for clearing the bar was an instant hit with audiences and journalists, who dubbed the technique “The Fosbury Flop.” Despite initial skepticism from the high jumping community, the new technique quickly gained popularity, and it is almost exclusively used by modern high jumpers. Today, Fosbury, a practicing civil engineer in Ketchum, Idaho, is the president of the World Olympians, the alumni organization of the Olympic movement for which all Olympians are eligible for membership. But in April of this year, the unthinkable happened. Fosbury was diagnosed with lymphoma. Despite the 900 mile commute, he knew that he could count on world-class care at the UNM Cancer Center. With family ties to several physicians and the area, combined with rave reviews from prominent cancer physicians around the country, Fosbury chose to receive his care here. He had surgery on April 11 to remove most of the tumor in his lower back and completed chemotherapy in Albuquerque. Now, Fosbury is able to stay closer to home in Idaho for radiation treatment, but he maintains strong ties to the UNM Cancer Center. Despite the setbacks, cancer has not interfered with Fosbury’s determination. “He’s feeling a lot better but is still recovering from the surgery. He had to wear a back brace for three months, and of course, the chemo really slowed things down,” said Robin Tomasi. “But like a true Olympian, he has focus and has not really given in to the cancer or being sick.” As the World Olympians President, Fosbury will provide UNM Cancer Center patients and supporters an exclusive view, not only from the games, but also from inside this year’s Reunion Center. The Reunion Center is an ongoing tradition and provides a comfortable place for all Olympians and their guests to congregate. The Center features an internet café, internet phones for global phone calls, oversized televisions with all television coverage of the games in many languages, food and drinks. This year, the Reunion Center will be at the 400-year-old Prince Jun Palace, and a gala opening, sponsored by Visa, will kick off events on August 7, the day before the games begin. The UNM Cancer Center looks forward to this insider’s view of the Olympics, and we are so appreciative of Dick Fosbury and Robin Tomasi for providing us with this unique perspective on the games. Please check back regularly for the latest blog entries! Please click here to read the blog. Media Coverage August 21, 2008. KOB TV Interview of Dr. Hromas July 30, 2008. Albuquerque Journal's Sports Section about Dick Fosbury Albuquerque Journal's Health Section about Dick Fosbury (Click on Trial Premium Pass to view the article) Richard Douglas Fosbury Beijing Olympics Hall of Fame Page Wang Wei meets Richard Fosbury |
