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An athlete uses physics to shatter world records - Asaf Bar-Yosef

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TEDEd Animation

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When Dick Fosbury couldn't compete against the skilled high jumpers at his college, he tried jumping in a different way -- backwards. Fosbury improved his record immediately and continued to amaze the world with his new technique all the way to Olympic gold. Asaf Bar-Yosef explains the physics behind the success of the now dominant Fosbury Flop.

How is it possible to jump over the bar without bringing your center of mass above it?

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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Asaf Bar-Yosef
  • Animator Mike Schell
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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