Valeriy Brumel, Russian high jumper (b. 1942)

Valeriy Nikolayevich Brumel (Russian: Валерий Николаевич Брумель; 14 April 1942 – 26 January 2003) was an iconic Soviet high jumper whose extraordinary talent and groundbreaking achievements redefined the sport in the early 1960s. Hailing from the Soviet Union, Brumel's career, though tragically cut short, left an indelible mark on athletics history, firmly establishing him as one of the greatest athletes ever to compete in the high jump.

An Unrivalled Athlete: Olympic Glory and World Records

Brumel's reign at the pinnacle of high jump was marked by unparalleled success and consistent record-breaking performances. His Olympic journey began with a silver medal at the 1960 Rome Games, a remarkable achievement for a then-18-year-old making his Olympic debut. This early success set the stage for his ultimate triumph: becoming the undisputed 1964 Olympic champion at the Tokyo Games. In Tokyo, he secured the gold medal with a jump of 2.18 meters (7 ft 1+3⁄4 in), overcoming strong competition, notably from his long-standing American rival, John Thomas, against whom he had a celebrated rivalry throughout his career.

Beyond his Olympic triumphs, Brumel was a serial world record breaker. Between 1961 and 1963, he officially set an astonishing six outdoor world records in the high jump, progressively elevating the bar from 2.23 meters (7 ft 3+3⁄4 in) to a staggering 2.28 meters (7 ft 5+3⁄4 in). This final record, achieved on July 21, 1963, in Moscow, stood for an impressive eight years, a testament to his revolutionary technique and physical capabilities. Brumel primarily employed the traditional straddle technique, refining it to an unprecedented level of efficiency and power long before the widespread adoption of the Fosbury Flop, which would later revolutionize the event.

The Tragic End of an International Career

Regrettably, Valeriy Brumel's illustrious international career was brought to an abrupt and devastating halt by a severe motorcycle accident in 1965. The incident resulted in a catastrophic injury to his right ankle, an injury so profound that it required numerous complex surgeries over several years. Despite his incredible determination and multiple attempts at a comeback, including managing to clear 2.06 meters (6 ft 9 in) after the accident, he was never able to regain the consistent form necessary to compete at the elite international level he once dominated. His premature departure from competitive sport left the high jump community to ponder what further heights he might have reached, solidifying his legend as one of the sport's greatest "what ifs."

Frequently Asked Questions about Valeriy Brumel

What was Valeriy Brumel's nationality?
Valeriy Brumel was a Soviet athlete, representing the Soviet Union throughout his illustrious high jump career from 1960 until the accident in 1965.
What was Valeriy Brumel's highest world record jump?
Valeriy Brumel's highest official outdoor world record in the high jump was 2.28 meters (7 ft 5+3⁄4 in), which he set on July 21, 1963, in Moscow. This remarkable record remained unbroken for eight years.
What high jump technique did Valeriy Brumel use?
Valeriy Brumel was a master of the straddle technique, a dominant high jump style of his era. He was renowned for perfecting this technique to achieve his numerous world records and Olympic gold medal.