Top 10 best high jumpers of all time (men)

Here it is, finally! My top 10s tend to get longer and longer. I hope you can live with that:-)

[@rickrosenbloom9605]

Fosbury. Completely revolutionized the sport while winning a gold medal.

[@rusbenreyes5695]

Javier Sotomayor world record still stands for 28 years and still counting, wow very impressive 👏

[@sim2676]

Well you can definitely say that these guys set the bar pretty high

[@gws1825]

Lol, best jokes are the bad ones

[@thecheesymango413]

I dont know, can you raise the "standards" for your jokes next time.

[@darrylschultz9311]

The only reason I didn't smash the world record was coz the oxygen tank I had to carry weighed me down too much.(So I guess if we go by GWS's theory,that must be the best joke of all time!!?).

[@1000frolly]

I was a high jumper way back and remember travelling to Germany to compete in 1971. The Germans were too good, and I got thrashed. In this video Holm is the most amazing, and is the shortest high jumper I've seen.

[@neb7026]

Liar

[@kiarabarratt5384]

My brother was a high jumper too. He had the Australian record of 2.17metres back in 1982 (?) Just sent him the download of this video

[@Galimah]

As a Swede i say its quite cool to see 2 country men at top 3, but my favorite is Ivan Uhkov

[@adamsvenssonercegovic1085]

The way Stefan Holm bends his back is extraordinary and I think he did the best flops in the world. It's was just that he was much shorter than the rest, yet he still became one of the best of all time. I've even met him and trained with him once. :D

[@SLaird22]

Charles Austin is only an inch or two taller, though he doesn't seem to get nearly as much recognition as many other "short" jumpers.

[@bman342a]

Great video. The clearance on the Partyka jump at 7'-9-1/2" is amazing. And, yes, Holm has the highest clearance over his own height, yet he is tied with American high-jumper Franklin Jacobs for that honor.

[@jeanmarcbessette]

Milton Ottey from Canada (Jamaica) in second for that.

[@thethirdman225]

Watch the second replay of it. It was quite a normal clearance. The first shot gives an optical illusion that has led to all kinds of rumours and silly speculation.

[@leavevialone]

Stefan Holm is my favourite just because he is fairly short compared to all of the other people.

[@tweachiemercer1589]

Dwight Stones was always my favorite / idol when I was in high school in the early 70's.

[@OriginalMindTrick]

Stefan Holm's style is so smooth and effortless. The result of insane dedication to his craft. Sjöberg lived more on his extreme natural talent.

[@patricksandeberg8184]

Stefan Holm is 181cm or 5’11.

[@Guy_de_Loimbard]

@@patricksandeberg8184 So he's a dwarf compared to most of the bean poles on this list.

[@patricksandeberg8184]

@@Guy_de_Loimbard 😂 well maybe not a dwarf. He's just about average height in Sweden. But compared to the average height of highjumpers... Yeah I'd say he is. 😉

[@LaZanzaraReturn]

I was a high jumper 33 years ago, when I was 18. I jumped 2,08m outdoor and my idols were Dwight Stones and Jacek Wszoła. A day, I noted Stones during the training in Rome and I asked him his autograph, but him didn't wanted... I was been very sad for this. However, I think he was a marvelous high jumper for his style and the class.

[@thethirdman225]

Stones should definitely be in the list. He was clearly the best jumper of the 1970s.

[@timjansen7694]

Some people think that anyone can do any human endeavor at an incredible level, all that is required is dedication, practice and the right coaching. Some people believe that anyone can be a world class high jumper, or drive a golf ball 350 yards, or play a difficult piano concerto, just dedicate yourself to it and you can do it. I watch these guys and I realize how preposterous that is.

[@ManicMindTrick]

It's one of hose feelgood stories based on complete bullshit. You need to be the genetic elite to become the best at anything. You can become good in almost anything if you put enormous dedication towards it but to be elite you need talent as well.

[@waynewilliams3246]

These aren't the guys to watch for amazing clearances, because most of these guys are already around 2 metres tall. If you consider the shorter jumpers, Stefan Holmes, Franklin Jacobs etc and you examine the heights that they are clearing then you begin to understand how amazing those jumpers are. You then need to understand the level of intense training that those guys undergo to be able to compete against those taller jumpers. That takes dedication and willpower. Much of the jump is mental, and it is that dedication to training that allows them to achieve those amazing heights. Maybe the high jump victory should be based on actual over head height clearance rather than actual height, so that the truly amazing jumpers can be better recognised.

[@jasonlamar2763]

I was a middle distance runner in the late 80's to mid 90's and the high jump comp was one of the most exciting events during that time period. Four of this top ten were jumping during that time, but....Hollis Conway was my favorite, and still is of all time. I'm not sure he was even six foot in stature, but for his size and what he accomplished was AMAZING! Also, his technique was soooooooo fluid and smooth. Always a joy to watch him jump. The '91 Worlds might be one of the best high jump comps of all time. I have it on VHS if you want a copy. :)

[@larryurbon9550]

Great compilation! Thanks much for posting it.

[@scjct1]

I love this video! I am short but placed in many track meets. I had super form but didn't have the height. I couldn't jump very high but it was my form and technique that helped me. I had track coaches calling me to coach his kids when I was only 15 years old.

[@jacquigrace3928]

Just curious how you can compile a list of the top 10 high jumpers of all time and not include Dick Fosbury, a man who totally revolutionized and reinvented the sport with the "Fosbury Flop".....

[@AirikrStrife]

'cause he wasn't even close to be one of the ten best of all time? Even then he won the 68 olympics he wasn't close to the then Straddle WR of 2.28 sat by Brumel a few years earlier. He's an important figure in the history of high jump, but not one of the best 'cause of that

[@boldreceiver]

AirikrStrife Fosbury set an Olympic record at 2.24; 4cm off the WR of the time. There are athletes on this list that didn't jump within 4cm of the WR.

[@feltonrogers906]

+AirikrStrife The person who revolutionized/changed /made it possible to do some thing better should always get his'her props.

[@ClownenJac73]

I agree. I somehow wanted to see Fosbury there. Like the video nonetheless.

[@richardbond258]

In reality people outside the world of high jump people know who Dick Fosbury is, they don't know or care who the others are.

[@tombartlett5758]

Holm's run-up speed was incredible! Ya gotta wonder about the Eastern Bloc guys because of PED's.

[@dietmar239]

Very nicely done. Appreciate the hard work that went into this.

[@angelo7513]

Unfortunately it is missing the greatest and the most unfortunate high jumper of all , Valery Brumel, which improved the world record from 2.22 to 2.28 in just 21 years of age creating between himself and the other an abyss for many years. He would most likely have significantly exceeded the 2.30 m. and he would have won not only the Olympic Games in Tokyo, but also those of Mexico in 1968 and Monaco in 1972, but, unfortunately he was involved at only 23 years of age in a terrible motorcycle accident that shattered the bones of his ankle and right foot, the foot of detachment, which forced him to retire at only 23 years of age. Many consider Brumel much stronger than Yaschenko because he had an extraordinary elevation as he was high only 1.84 cm. (44 cm. of differential) while Yaschenko was at least ten cm higher than him. You note well that Brumel had a capacity of elevation so extraordinary and unreachable that while he jumping he was able to touch with his foot the circle of a basketball hoop (3,05 m.). If he could have competed in Mexico City in 1968 (where he was by far the favorite) Dick Fosbury today would be an unknown. Some argue that if Brumel with his extraordinary capacity of elevation had applied the jump of Fosbury he would still world record holder.

[@rolfejameria4566]

+angelo balzano - Yes! I studied Valery's techniques and read his papers when I was in high school in the 60's and was the best jumper in the northern suburbs of Chicago. He was great! Thanks for the memory.

[@Stalled-wm3qd]

+angelo balzano Thanks Angelo, my son at age 11 is just starting to do the High Jump and learn the Fosbury Flop in Little Athletics here in Australia.

[@vitakyo982]

+angelo balzano After his accident he did manage to jump 2.00 m ...A lesson of courage.

[@Herman47]

Gosh, I had mistakenly thought that I was one of the few who remembered Valery Brumel.

[@michaelrorer362]

so true. When compare greatest athletes of all times, one must look not at absolute, but relative numbers, the degree of dominance in his/her sport. And Valery was definitely in a class of his own.

[@drinkwater319]

Sotomeyer what a legend. That over 8' jump he clattered the bar, pushing it down a good 2" but it didn't drop. If you come down on the bar there's a chance it will bounce up and stay on, if you push it , however slightly, it will drop.

[@thethirdman225]

Learn metric.

[@bryanjackson4287]

JAVIER SOTOMAYOR IS THE FATHER OF HIGH JUMP OF ALL TIME

[@thethirdman225]

No he isn't. He's the World Record holder. Different thing altogether. But he probably should be number one anyway.

[@peroskarsson8455]

Quote at c. 5:50 min. "Patrik Sjöberg took part in 3 olympics without winnig." That's correct, but he was finalist in all and won three medals! This fantastic deed hasn't been reperated so far by anyone! Now you know.

[@kajenkirubah1228]

sotomyer looks like hes floating on air. Ridiculous wow!

[@kckcmctcrc]

This is my favorite event in T&F. It’s truly amazing to see…especially up close. Being a ‘track guy’ I was always amazed to see the really good high jumpers…I saw a several who could jump well over 7. I’d stand under that bar, look up and think; there is no freaking way this guy can toss his entire body over that bar that’s well over a foot above my head … it’s just not possible … and then he does it. It’s just incredible. And how about at least an Honorable Mention to Fosbury?

[@feltonrogers906]

+kckcmctcrc Honorable Mention ? The guy revolutionized the high jump. The style is called the " Fosbury Flop" Right?

[@KangarooAthletics]

Very nice video!!! Good job!!

[@LaZanzaraReturn]

When I was 18, I was a 2.08 m jumper and my idol was Stefan Holm and Jacek Wszoła

[@jorgem50]

Magnus, thanks for this video man! I was a high jumper in high school and always enjoyed watching the high jump.

[@lMobiuscidl]

Very good Athletics videos mate!

[@uncjim]

Athletes, in my humble opinion, should be measured on how they did against their peers in their time. In their day, Valerie Brumel and before him, John Thompson were a very big deal. Thompson faded after his 1960 Olympic failure. Brumel's world record of 7'5 3/4" lasted for nine years.

[@thethirdman225]

I think you mean John Thomas. Brumel’s record was 2.28.

[@antheamulholland5644]

Great video! These guys are spectacular to watch. Stefan Holm is awesome because he looks so short. Awesome mullet on Sjoberg! Thanks for making this.

[@patricksandeberg8184]

Anthea Mulholland Stefan Holm is 5’11

[@D9Wx]

Stefan Holm is clearly the guy With the best jumping ability.. he was by far the shortest one and was only 5 cm behind the standing world record!! Much more impressive.

[@creativeuserneim]

Dannynorw in your opinion of course.

[@karelp5358]

Dannynorw True , Holm has a great technique , but Javier Sotomayor is better :D

[@chriscross773]

+Dannynorw In that regard Franklin Jacobs's even better than great Holm: 1m73, 2m32 (1980)

[@D9Wx]

Chris Cross holm jumped way higher than him in hurdles.. and overall high jump while being heavier than franklin. so nah ;)

[@D9Wx]

Karel Muniz nope javier has great technique holm is just more explosive ;)

[@l3K8]

keep me posted, great videos! you should make one for pole vault! :)

[@aussiepev]

thx Magnusur1...seriously excellent!

[@SuperBrownsugar95]

This is a flawlessly made video.

[@atava85]

Great video!

[@poxipollepi1]

my knee started hurts after watching this.

[@angeluomo]

Bondarenko has now earned a spot. I also think Valeriy Brumel is a legend of the event.

[@thethirdman225]

Barshim should definitely be in it.

[@ENbro13]

5:02 What the heck!!? Those are super strong legs right there, holy crap!

[@vitakyo982]

Partyka's jump is out of this world !

[@mistergfinder]

Mr. Dumas was my High School Dean. What a good guy. I can say he helped me make it through High School. I was a constant visitor to the Dean's Office in my 11th grade year.

[@mihproductions3854]

"I believe I can fly" would be an appropriate song here ...

[@Grasuggan22]

True list. You can see the jumps by Sotomayor on 2.43 and 2.45 that the he touches the bar and it still holds it place.

[@igormuntean6932]

In my opinion Valery Brumel should be in this list somewhere. He broke the world record six times. His best of 2.28 is not as high as of those guys in the video, neither were the competition conditions of their time ( shoes, surface, landing in sand).

[@martasierpinska8725]

Partyka NR 2.37M

[@Horatio-Nelson]

Valeriy Brumel und John Thomas? Die gehörten eindeutig zu den besten! Grüße, Horatio Nelson.

[@GNIC12.]

wow that's amazing

[@Hari-me2bq]

Nice video dude

[@jkim2770]

amazing!

[@ujjufruii]

Great video

[@officialpondus9404]

U have to include Mutaz essa Barshim in this, sure he has’nt won alot of championships but he has only began his career and his records are insane!

[@richardleonard4281]

Brumel , Thomas they were the cream of the crop in the early 60's and after Dumas kept raising (sic) the bar. Arnie Bolt one legged high jumper.

[@vuscrint7929]

im 20yrs old, 5ft 11in and can jump over 5ft without fosbury (I land back on my feet). Ive never had the pleasure of using equipment but when I do, I think I'll be a challenger. thank you for sharing this inspiring feats of Olympic talent.

[@tashanmy]

Fosbury, Brumel and Zhu. You missed them all.

[@805atnorafertsera6]

Bondarenko had 2.50 within reach, crazy jumps on world record Height. Without injuries I think few doubts he'll at least would have jumped 2.45.

[@ottarvendel]

Sjöberg is the omly high jumper so far to have taken three medals in Olynpic games.

[@elnardowebster2842]

MY former gym teacher (who also happens to be Gigi Buffon's mother) was an discus thrower. She told us that at the '68 Olympics there was this American who jumped with his back and everyone at the village was making fun of him. That guy was Nick Fosbury. Greetings from Italy

[@francescobrandi6310]

In my opinion Dick Fosbury should stay in the 10, he's not the best because he wasnt really strong (good jumper anyway), otherwise a jumper is made by two part, tecnique and power. Fosbury is the one who change the history of this sport, so for his flop he had to stay in the ten.

[@loveruoo1307]

He still doesnt jump as high as the other 10 on this list. Therefore him being unranked here is fair and square and no one can debate about it.

[@mogliking12345]

I have seen stefan many times since i was a kid. Also i have been in the same plane with him and his kid back in 2017, 9th of july. From Karlstad to Frankfurt

[@beorlingo]

But wait, you are 4 years older than Stefan! 🤔

[@Socijala02]

Lovely video

[@firstbornjordan]

Nice vid. I love high jump but only did it for four weeks at age 12. At 36, for fun, I had a university audience watching me and another guy trying to out-jump each other. He was 6ft 4in, I am 5ft 9 and after 20 minutes I conceded because my shoes were slipping on the gym floor. I am white and now fifty yo. I will attempt local athletic record (just joined) for my age. I never did forget to high jump :)

[@MsSlucyna]

I love Sotomayor`s long socks! There can`t be an agreement about the list content, because it`s hard to compare results from 30 or 40 years behind with today`s. But truely enough, there`s something more to it than just the personal best.

[@guyfroml]

All "greatest" lists have to be relevant to the time and period each person competed or performed. Based on that relevance, Fosbury has to be considered the greatest high jumper of all time. Considering in nearly 50 years since his 68 Olympic championship that jumpers have not been able to go more than 8 inches higher, with most no more than 6 inches higher as the standard, I'd say Fosbury stood out during his period far more than any other jumper during theirs. Not to mention, EVERY high jumper today can thank him.

[@dinlehliu2668]

Yes, Fosbury revolutionized the high jump with his style! As far as performance goes Magnusur1 got it right. Interesting is that indoor and outdoor records are so old. The '80s were phenomenal; what a generation!

[@Celtokee]

Din Lehliu Yes Fosbury was innovative, but I personally consider the back flop as boring, and I'm sad that it took over the sport. Even more innovative was the style of Pat Matzdorf, who should be in the top 10 IMHO. Matzdorf perfected a revised straddle jump in which he actually landed upright (on his feet) like a cat; conceivably therefore he could do it without a foam cushion to land on, w/o injury. Which would be impossible with either the conventional straddle and Fosbury flop; the jumper would be paralyzed for life without a foam cushion to land on. So, in keeping with the original spirit of the Olympics as being military-type events, Matzdorf's style was far more realistic. Unfortunately, Matzdorf spiked his heel early in his career. But re: back-floppers, the best IMHO was Franklin Jacobs because he was a short guy who jumped 2 feet (24") over his height.

[@wilhelmw3455]

Dick Fosbury was the most influential high jumper of all time but was never the world record holder so the supposed lack of improvement of the world high jump record since his 1968 Olympic win is not relevant, more high jumpers are jumping higher than they normally would because of him.

[@jontebiogas10]

In a famous swedish television show Stefan holm argued with Patrik Sjöberg who was the better high jumper. He talked about statistics for several minutes while patrik sat quitet and when he was finished patrik said "well 2.42 is still higher then 2.40." Discussion closed! As a prowd swede I still like them both though :)

[@adriastamayo]

El soto de Cuba

[@JohnDoe-wo1jd]

Sotomayor of Cuba seems to have the best spring of all of them. But they are all great , especially the ones who don't have great vertical leaps but got work on the technique . I always like underdogs

[@panchovilla712]

Super amazing

[@777FURIKAKEBON]

very cool

[@paullau1787]

now i know the secrets to high jump long socks

[@mecongberlin]

Dietmar Moegenburg is definitely missing mate!

[@sjuro54]

You forgot Valerij Brumel!

[@lsimmons24]

Great video. Great music. Made me feel better

[@RobertoMartinez-yc8dg]

you forget Vyacheslav Voronin world champion 2,40 (1999), Bohdan Bondarenko 2,41 (2013) Zhu Jianhua 2,39 (1984) Jacek Wszoła (Poland) world record with 2.35 m 25 mai 1980 and olympic gold in 1976. But the really best was Valery Brumel (USSR) olympic gold in 1964 and silver in 1960 and world recordman between 1961-1963 with 2,23 to 2,28. And also Dick Fosbury for the new style.

[@maxlongo306]

25 years ago World Record, impressive !

[@leif9880]

Nice collection! I love the fact you're rating two swedes in top three, but as Bryant M points out: some white guys CAN jump. And I agree with Jorge that Stefan Holms jumps at 5.04 are insane!

[@abhimanyuvashistha8665]

What? No fosbury? ok.

[@bufbis2340]

Excellent video ! according to me the very best is Holm ! I jump no more than 1m85 in 1992 (11"1 for 100m and 6m33 in long jump)

[@savVaLaza]

Lambros Papakostas the Greek was great as well. He was just in a time period against Soto and a couple other greats like Austin. Still managed to medal in many events. World and Euro. Was for a while silver behind Soto constantly. Only thing he didn’t manage was Olympic medal. Finished 6th in Atlanta 96. And injury or recovering from Achilles didn’t allow him in others unfortunately. Good Vid tho

[@kangc6984]

Missing Fosbury without him, none of them would be good

[@thethirdman225]

Total rubbish.

[@SilverMiraii]

The arching of the back takes advantage of center of mass, because they arch their back so much their center of mass is actually away from their body, lower than the bar, so they don't need to use as much force.

[@thethirdman225]

What? Not as much force? They need every bit as much force. The flop takeoff means they have a lesser capacity to deliver it. The straddle takeoff uses very powerful limb movements, which require greater hip flexibility. The flop uses weak limb movements and relies on speed. The straddle takeoff is more efficient than the flop but the flop clearance is more efficient than the straddle. The back arch is grossly overestimated but it's the only thing anyone looks at. The difference between the two techniques is what happens from three strides out to the point of take off. After that the jumper has only a limited amount of influence over the success of the jump. If you don't get high enough, you won't make it. Biomechanists have shown that the difference in efficiency between a dive straddle and a flop is negligible. I've been a jumper and I have been watching for almost 45 years. I can tell three strides out if someone will make it or not. The important work is done on the ground. Look up the series on Vladimir Yashchenko, especially the third one shot at the European Championships where he set a World Indoor Record. It's no accident he gets that high and no reason to believe he would have jumped higher using a different technique.

[@emilh4779]

Feels good to be Swedish :)

[@MrJackypanghanwoon]

Zhu Jianhua (CHN) also 3 times broken the high jump world record.

[@vitelspring]

That music is so 90s.

[@nsnman6717]

No Fosbury? He literally revolutionized high jumping.

[@valter9604]

Nsn Man but he wasnt that good

[@sparkeyjames]

SAY WHAT? He was so not good he only won an Olympic gold medal and singlehandedly Revolutionized the sport. Sad you don't know that.

[@miguelhernandezresendiz6138]

9 years after, Mutaz Essa Barshim should be included.

[@anatolfrombelarus7940]

Barshim and Bondarenko...And Valery Brumel...

[@clambroth1923]

Have to say, going back a bit, that Valerie Brumel's (Rus)world record in the straddle (7'5 3/4") was gravity defying. At the time his jumps were amazing. While the flop revolutionized the sport Brumel's could beat many of the floppers of today easily. I'd put him on the list because he was so dominant.

[@szymon6207]

2.45m have record

[@ryanjoe5743]

I guess you can say they all set the bar high. ..no OK

[@fafaplouf]

Would need some update !

[@Magnusur1]

Indeed. Barshim and Bondarenko need to be on the list. I'll make a new one! :-)

[@fafaplouf]

Magnusur1 You read in my mind !!! :)

[@usaskjock]

and Derek Drouin!

[@thomassimpson8276]

Cool video. Austin (184/ 6' 1/2") and Holm (5'11"/181) are the most impressive due to their height, or lack thereof.

[@munaqer33]

5:02...... thats gotta be an event in the future

[@chriscostello117]

My pops Frank Costello had some chops in his day...

[@danielgeeves1488]

Good song 😆

[@HansKoops1987]

You Need to remake this movie after this season i hope. With Barshim and Bogdarenko jumping this well it is Just a matter of time before a new world record is set

[@justclickedtodislike9236]

Hahahaha

[@andrewdon1971]

The ground contact time must be insane for #1 & 2.

[@aspenrebel]

Hey, when I was in High School, we had a kid who High Jumped well OVER 8 feet!! Granted he used a gymnastics springboard to take off from!! But it was fun to watch.

[@rolfejameria4566]

+aspenrebel Yes, that's a two footed jump, so it's illegal. I recall Chinese gymnasts that regularly did that back in the 60's.

[@aspenrebel]

+Rolfe Jameria NO! NO! NO! He took off from the gymnastics springboard on ONE Foot!!! So that part was legal. It was the springboard that was illegal. hee hee hee!! But it was fun to watch!! He was a gymnast, top pole vaulter, high hurdler, triple jumper, long jumper in our State at the time.

[@rolfejameria4566]

+aspenrebel Really? It is very unusual and difficult to take off from a springboard with one foot! I was a gymnast as well so I know a little bit about it.

[@aspenrebel]

+Rolfe Jameria Well this guy, in my High School, was a top athlete. He was a gymnast, high jumper, pole vaulter, LJ, TJ, High Hurdles, Sprinter, etc. I was there in the gym when he did it. He had the springboard at an angle to the High Jump Bar, as one would approach to make the jump. We measured the cross bar at 8 feet. Then he ran up, in normal high jump run up stride approach, and hit the springboard with one foot, then went up, and over the cross bar with a Flop. It was pretty amazing. Not sure what he did in High Jump otherwise. Probably 6' 6". We had some good High Jumpers over a couple of years, and the Top 3-6 Pole Vaulters in the State. I think our top High Jumper did 6' 8" or 6' 10". I think we had another do 6' 4 and another 6' 0" or 6' 2". As I recall there was a 7' 0" high jumper in the State one year. But that was a long time ago. There was this other thing we did a lot. We'd use a Mini-Tramp, then stand those big thick blue crash mats up on one end, standing up tall. Not sure how high. On the other side was another crash mat for landing. We run up to the tall "wall" blue mat, hit the mini-tramp, go up and over the top, then either just dive over and hit and roll or do a forward flip at the top of the mat then land.

[@rolfejameria4566]

+aspenrebel Yes I was one of them. I high jumped 6'6" in high school, and pole vaulted 12'8", then went on to Northwestern U. where I pole vaulted 16'1", set the Ball State Relays rec. and was Illinois State champ in '74. I also hurdled, triple jumped, discus, long jump, etc. I did some decathalon competitions. I was also a high bar and side horse gymnast in HS.

[@joeyfroey7627]

Can't believe Dick Fosbury didn't make the list. He reinvented the sport.

[@alakdrifting1913]

Joey Froey You make no sense, he wasn't as good as them. 2.24 was his best.

[@joeyfroey7627]

If he wasn't that good, why does every modern jumper use his technique?

[@BigDunker345]

Joey Froey because his technique was brilliant while he himself was not anywhere close to a top 10 highjumper of all time

[@guusdejong2523]

I'm a non athlete and I can only jump 1.60 with the Fosbury flop :( any advice? Would the straddle technique be better for someone who can't bend his back the "wrong" way that good?

[@survivingzgamer]

160 not bad for someone who isn't an athlete, I'm consistently training and only clearing 172 at best

[@hassadhassan2610]

they have amazing rear andd legs almost like gazelle. long and sleek

[@michaelrorer362]

When compare greatest athletes of all times, one must look not (only) at absolute, but relative numbers, the degree of dominance in his/her sport. Valery Brumel, just like Sotomayor, was definitely in a class of his own.

[@ralphhaire9076]

Valerie Brumel!!!is the King and always will be. Had not got crippled in a motorcycle accident at the height of his prowess he would have been the first to reach eight feet... using the "rational" jumping style.you don't see frogs or any other of the great leapers going over the logs or whatever barrier backwards it freaky and unnatural...period

[@marianvisu9919]

You know who is Sorin Matei? His personal best jump is 2.40 metres, achieved in June 1990 in Bratislava.

[@skalpel56]

Last jump in the part about Jaszczenko is not him but Jacek Wszoła -polsh jumper - gold- olimpc games from Montreal,silver- from Moscow.

[@iliaskoronas6389]

Great Job indeed!!! You are refering above that Artur Partika's jump at 2,37 m. was "the highest in history"!!! I'm very interesting to read a research for this. Do you have any scientific source to support this? Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Keep up the good work!!!

[@AirikrStrife]

In general this is a very good list. It's very hard to decide how to rate high jumpers and decide which factors are the most important, but the vid has a very good balance between actually heights reached and medals won. I for one totally agree that Thränhardt was a better high jumper than Mögenburg. Mögenburg might have been a more famous and in one way more successulf high jumper. But if you look at achieved heights, well. Thränhardts top 5 jumps: 2.42i, 2.40i, 2.38i, 2.37, 2.37i. Compared to Mögenburgs: 2.39i, 2.37i, 2.36, 2.36i 2.35,

[@feltonrogers906]

+AirikrStrife I really think that Charlie Dumas show be included on any list, not because he was the first to crack the 7 ft. barrier as Roger Bannister is include on any list of miller greats because he was the first to break the 4 minute barrier.