1961 - Brumel is above it all

Photo: Valeriy Brumel (USSR) and John Thomas (USA)


In 1961, 1962, and 1963 Soviet high jumper Valeriy Brumel was universally recognized as the best athlete in the world - not only in track and field, but in sport in general.

At the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome 18 years old Brumel won the silver. In January 1961 during all-Soviet student championship he cleared 2.25 meters (~7'5''), which was more than 2 inches higher than the world record held by an American athlete John Thomas. Due to the class of this championship Brumel's achievement could not be internationally recognized, but a month later Brumel competes with Thomas in the USA and wins.
From 1961 to 1963 Brumel broke the world record for the high jump six times, and won gold medal at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. His record from 1963 held for 8 years.


Brumel's jumps are compared to flying. Young athlete is considered an intellectual, a new kind of person who is equally developed in body and mind.

After going undefeated during the 1965 season, 23 year old Brumel is badly injured in a motorcycle accident. It put an end to his career in sports.
After multiple surgeries and a few unsuccessful attempts to achieve his previous athletic level Brumel turned to writing. His most famous book is an autobiographical "Do not betray yourself" (1979).

TRIBUTE TO BRUMEL:

I think that the comment to this video from youtube (below) is particularly interesting, though it probably could be said about many athlets from the past - with the advantage of modern technology their achievements could be even more spectacular:
"This man is arguably the greatest high jumper who ever lived. He jumped 7'6" using a dirt runway, a sawdust pit in the straddle jump form. He was only 23 years old & undefeated the year he got into a serious motorcycle accident which ended his stellar career. He had not even peaked for he was just getting started. There is no doubt that in modern times using the Frosbury Flop and a fast synthetic track that he would have broken the 8 foot barrier. Most amazing jumper at only 6ft. in height!" (c)