The first world record in the men's high jump was recognized by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) in 1912.
As of June 2009, the IAAF has ratified 40 world records in the event.[1]
Fourteen of the 16 records from 1912 to 1960 were set in the United States and were originally measured in feet and inches; they were converted to metric before being ratified as world records. As of January 1, 1963, records were accepted as metric marks, with marks measured in feet and inches to the nearest quarter-inch and rounded down to the nearest centimetre.[2]: vii, 155–157 When measurements were taken in feet and inches the bar could be raised, for record-attempt purposes, in increments of one-quarter inch. Under the metric system, a new record must be (at least) one centimeter higher. In 1973, American Dwight Stones was the first Fosbury Flop jumper to set a world record. The namesake of the technique, Dick Fosbury impressed the world by winning the 1968 Olympics with the flop, but never held the world record. The last Straddle style jumper to hold the World Record was Vladimir Yashchenko (Soviet Union/Ukraine) in 1978; all record-setters since then have used the Flop technique.
The world record of 2.45 metres (8.04 ft) by Cuban Javier Sotomayor in 1993 has never been surpassed.
Progression
| Ratified | |
| Ratified but later rescinded |
Pre-IAAF
Post-IAAF
See also
Notes
- ^ Result sources list this mark as uncertain
- ^ Measured as 6 feet 6 and 1/8th inches, but World Athletics rules round down to the nearest quarter inch.
- ^ This indoor record was also accepted as a world record. However, in 1991 it was rescinded as a world record due to complaints that the flexible parquet flooring gave athletes an unfair advantage.
References
- ^ "12th IAAF World Championships In Athletics: IAAF Statistics Handbook. Berlin 2009". Monte Carlo: IAAF Media & Public Relations Department. 2009. pp. 554–55. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
- ^ Hymans, Richard & Matrahazi, Imre. "IAAF World Records Progression". 2015 ed. International Association of Athletics Federations. Retrieved October 20, 2015.
- ^ "Main > Men, High Jump > World Records Progression". Track and Field Statistics
- ^ Zarnowski, Frank (2005). All-around Men: Heroes of a Forgotten Sport. Scarecrow Press. p. 123. ISBN 978-0-8108-5423-9. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
"American" winners included Canadian George Gray in the shot put and Irishman Michael Sweeney, who set a high jump world record at 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m). In retrospect this meet was the premier track and field meet of the decade.
- ^ Zarnowski, Frank (2005). All-around Men: Heroes of a Forgotten Sport. Scarecrow Press. p. 116. ISBN 978-0-8108-5423-9. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
An American all-star team ... demolished a national British team ... in New York in September by winning every event, several by enlisted Irish immigrants.
- ^ "George Horine". Olympedia
- ^ "WORLD'S HIGH JUMP MARK RAISED AGAIN - Edward Beeson of San Francisco Clears the Bar at 6 Feet 7 5/8 Inches.". Retrieved 2016-08-21.
- ^ "USATF - Hall of Fame". Retrieved 2016-08-21.
- ^ Hymans, Richard & Matrahazi, Imre. "IAAF World Records Progression". 2015 ed. International Association of Athletics Federations. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
- High jump world record progression International Olympic Committee